PRSTDSTD USPOSTAGE PAID PERMIT#1059 Bolingbrook,IL

Transcription

PRSTDSTD USPOSTAGE PAID PERMIT#1059 Bolingbrook,IL
PRSTD STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #1059
Bolingbrook, IL
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 1
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 2
Reach for
the Sky…
…with our new purpose-built
open top tourist double deck
The Enviro400 double deck provides high capacity seating
and an unbeatable passenger experience. There’s no limit to
the views that can be enjoyed, bringing a new dimension
to the world of sightseeing.
Purpose-designed by Alexander Dennis, the world leader in
double deck technology, the open top Enviro400 combines
reliability, durability and ease of maintenance with unrivalled
fuel economy, maneuverability and ride comfort. Derived
from its sister vehicle, the best-selling Enviro400 transit
bus - thousands of which excel in the world’s toughest
operating environments - the new tourism model features
a low entrance with no steps, a spacious and easily
accessible flat floor and dedicated wheelchair locations.
Creating a novel, new tourism experience, the Enviro400
has a track record of boosting passenger ridership.
Is it time to give your fleet a new dimension?
See Us At UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #137
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 3
+HDY\GXW\UHOLDELOLW\
Happy operators
0DGHLQ86$
Panoramic view
Heavy-duty power trains
Exceptional fuel economy
,QFUHGLEOHFRPIRUW
2XWVWDQGLQJVWDELOLW\
8QPDWFKHGPDQHXYHUDELOLW\
Excellent stopping power
Unmatched 24/7 factory support | Extensive parts availability | Nationwide service network | Exceptional warranties
THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU WANT OUT OF A CHASSIS.
LET’S START BY GIVING YOU ALL OF THEM.
Compromising on your needs is never a good place to start. So we don’t make you.
Product quality, numerous options, and uncompromising factory and service support.
You get everything you need from your chassis and your manufacturer. That’s the peace
of mind that comes with owning a Freightliner. | Find out more at freightlinerchassis.com.
ON THE ROAD?
)LQGRXWPRUHZLWK\RXUVPDUWSKRQHE\VFDQQLQJWKLVFRGH
Get the free app at http://gettag.mobi
6SHFLÀFDWLRQVDUHVXEMHFWWRFKDQJHZLWKRXWQRWLFH)UHLJKWOLQHU&XVWRP&KDVVLV&RUSRUDWLRQLVUHJLVWHUHGWR,62DQG,62&RS\ULJKW‹'DLPOHU7UXFNV1RUWK$PHULFD//&
$OOULJKWVUHVHUYHG)UHLJKWOLQHU&XVWRP&KDVVLV&RUSRUDWLRQLVDVXEVLGLDU\RI'DLPOHU7UXFNV1RUWK$PHULFD//&D'DLPOHUFRPSDQ\
1:44 PM
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 4
CONTENTS
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
JANuAry/FEbruAry 2013
Published by
Rankin Publishing, Inc.
www.buslinemag.com
IN THIS ISSUE
Full Service Bus Company With 31 Years Of Success
Burlington Trailways ...................8
These 4 Transit Officials Discuss How They Have
Increased Services & Riders ..........................................22
UMA & NTA Join Forces
For Orlando Convention/Travel Exchange .........................36
Busline’s Buyers Guide To
Vehicle Lifts.........................................42
Busline’s Buyers Guide To
Seating & Fabrics.................................54
Busline Vehicle Showcase
MOTORCOACHES
46 - 51
UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth Numbers Current
As Of 01/07/13, courtesy of www.motorcoachexpo.com.
RAPID RESPONSE.....................................Page 6
INDUSTRY NEWS ...................................Page 35
ON THE COVER:
Burlington Trailways President Ronald Moore stands next to one of his
Prevost motorcoaches at the company’s headquarters in West Burlington, IA.
See page 8.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY 2013
January 20-24
United Motorcoach
Association / National
Tour Association
Co-located Conventions
Orlando, FL
Info: 800-424-8262
MAY 2013
May 5-8
APTA Bus &
Paratransit Conference
Indianapolis, IN
Info: 202-496-4800
JUNE 2013
June 1-5
Canadian Urban Transit
Association (CUTA)
Annual Conference
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Info: 416-365-9800
June 2-7
Community Transportation
Association of America
(CTAA) Annual Expo Conference
Albuquerque, NM
Info: 800-891-0590
JULY 2013
July 19-24
National School
Transportation Association
Annual Meeting
& Convention
Tulsa, OK
Info: 800-222-6782
SEPTEMBER 2013
September 10-11
BusCon
2013
Chicago, IL
Info: 800-576-8788
September 29 - October 2
APTA
Annual Meeting
Chicago, IL
Info: 202-496-4800
OCTOBER 2013
October 26-31
Taxicab, Limousine
& Paratransit Association
Annual Convention
& Trade Show
Boston, MA
Info: 301-984-5700
JANUARY 2014
January 11-15
American Bus
Association Marketplace
Nashville, TN
Info: 800-283-2877
Busline Magazine is published 6 times a year by Rankin Publishing, Inc., 204 E. Main, P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910-0130. Publisher
assumes no liability whatsoever for content of any advertisement or editorial material contained herein. Copyright 2013 Rankin
Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written consent
of Rankin Publishing, Inc. Subscription Rates in United States: 6 issues $25. Single Copy rate: $10 including postage/handling;
Buyer’s Guide $15 including postage/handling. International rates: 6 issue annual Air Mail Subscription $60 U.S. dollars net
Page 4
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
EDITORIAL &
CORPORATE OFFICES
Rankin Publishing Co., Inc.
Don Rankin and Linda Rankin, Publishers
204 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 130
Arcola, IL 61910-0130, USA
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rankinpublishing.com
(800) 598-8083 (U.S.) • (217) 268-4959
Fax: (217) 268-4815
Editorial: Harrell Kerkhoff, Editor
Rick Mullen, Associate Editor
Design: David Opdyke
Reception: Sandy Pierce
Advertising
Contact Kevin Kennedy @ 623-434-8959
Email: [email protected]
Or
Don Rankin @ 800-598-8083
Fax: 217-268-4815
Email: [email protected]
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 5
The exceptional efficiency
of an integrated powertrain
The Volvo 9700 consistently delivers a profitable combination of performance, efficiency and passengerpleasing comfort. With its dependable Volvo D13 SCR engine, you get a proven platform that saves fuel and
minimizes maintenance. The integrated I-Shift transmission takes fuel economy to the next level by keeping engine
speed in the sweet spot. Advanced safety features add bumper-to-bumper protection. And wherever you go, you’re
backed by our extensive network of Prevost professional service providers. The Volvo 9700 is known around the globe
for its high productivity and low operating cost. Here in North America, it’s the best way to accelerate your bottom line.
Learn more at www.prevostcar.com.
35 Gagnon Blvd., Ste-Claire QC, G0R 2V0, Canada | USA 1-877-773-8678 | Canada 418-883-3391
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #271
2:28 PM
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 6
A
D
I
Company
Website
Page #
5 Star Specialty Programs
ABC Companies
Aesys Inc.
Alexander Dennis Inc.
Altro Transfloor
Amaya-Astron Seating
American Cooling Technology, Inc.
American Seating
ARBOC Specialty Vehicles
Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison
Bauer Compressors
Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation
Bergen Auto Upholstery Co., Inc.
Bitzer
Bridgestone
Budget Truck & Autobody C.E. Niehoff
Chestnut Ridge Foam
Detroit Diesel
Distinctive Systems
DRIVEWARE
Espar Climate Systems
Euramtec/Prima America
Freightliner
Holdsworth Fabrics
Hometown Trolley
Kirks Automotive, Inc.
Lancer Insurance
www.5starsp.com
www.abc-companies.com
www.aesysinc.com
www.alexander-dennis.com
www.altrotransfloor.com
www.amaya-astron.com.mx
www.actusa.us.com
www.americanseating.com
www.arbocsv.com
www.atlanticdda.com
www.bauercng.com
www.coachsales.com
www.bergenseat.com
www.bitzerus.com
www.bridgestonefirestonemileagesales.com
www.budgettruckandauto.com
www.ceniehoff.com
www.chestnutridgefoam.com
www.abc-companies.com/detroit
www.distinctive-systems.com
www.driveware.com
www.espar.com
www.euramtec.com
www.freightlinerchassis.com
www.holdsworthfabrics.com
www.hometowntrolley.com
www.KirksOnline.net
www.lancerinsurance.com
29
28
56
2
44
19
39
15
40
26
34
45
55
6
11
40
20
54
7
41
38
36
38
3
55
12
56
33
N
D
E
X
JANuAry/FEbruAry 2013
Published by
Rankin Publishing, Inc.
www.buslinemag.com
Company
Website
MAHA Lifts
MCI (Motor Coach Industries)
Midwest Bus Corporation
Mile-X
Monochem
National Interstate
Nissan Commercial Vehicles
Penntex Industries
Prevost Car
Protective Insurance Company
Relational Bus Systems
Resorts Casino Hotel
Safety Step
Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery
SEFAC
Service Insurance
Shriver Insurance Agency
Sutrak
TEMSA
TIB
Transit Sales International
TriMark Corporation
Turtle Top
UMA
Vanner Power
Volvo
Willingham Inc.
www.maha-usa.com
www.mcicoach.com
www.midwestbus.com
www.mile-x.com
www.satellitechemical.com
www.natl.com
www.nissancommercialvehicles.com
www.penntexusa.com
www.prevostcar.com
www.protective insurance.com
www.rbs2000.com
www.ResortsAC.com
www.safetystep.net
www.sardobus.com
www.sefac.com
www.serviceins.com
www.shriverinsuranceagency.com
www.sutrakusa.com
www.temsa.com
www.tibinsurance.com
www.transitsales.com
www.trimarkcorp.com
www.turtletop.com
www.uma.org
www.vanner.com
www.prevostcar.com
www.willinghaminc.com
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #710
Page #
43
21
22
39
27
37
9
30
60
23
14
35
57
31
42
57
58
10
25
24
18
44
13
53
16, 32
5
17
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 7
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #563
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 8
Members of the Moore family
involved with Burlington Trailways
are, left to right, Charity Moore,
Mark Moore, Lori Moore,
Matthew Moore, Ronald Moore
and Angela Moore. Ronald Moore
(insert) also continues to drive
for the company.
O
perating a successful motorcoach company requires coordination on many fronts. Whether
it’s hiring and training the right employees, keeping up with new technology and
safety measures, or making sure everyone at the company is on the same page
when it comes to customer service —
coordination is paramount.
The 31-year success of Burlington
Trailways, headquartered in West
Burlington, IA, serves as a testament to
the company’s ability to properly coordinate what needs to be done in order to get
a large number of people safely from point “A” to point “B” and, oftentimes, back to point “A” again.
Burlington Trailways uses its coordination skills to provide the three
basic types of bus travel on the open road: regular route (also referred to
as “line haul”), tour and charter work. Whether putting together a fall
foliage tour to Vermont, providing a charter trip to a ball game, or taking
customers daily on regular route service to various cities stretching from
Indianapolis, IN, to Denver, CO, — officials at Burlington Trailways con-
tinue to wear many hats for the benefit of
today’s motorcoach rider.
“We are a full-service bus company, as
I like to put it, where safety and customer
service comes first. We started in 1982 as
a regular route provider and have expanded our services over time,” Burlington
Trailways President and Owner Ronald
R. Moore said, from his company’s new
facility in West Burlington.
Company motorcoaches travel approximately 8,000 miles per day for regular
route service in six Midwestern states:
Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri,
Nebraska and Colorado. These routes stretch as far east as Indianapolis,
as far west as Denver, as far south as St. Louis, MO, and as far north as
Chicago, IL, and Cedar Rapids, IA. In other words, a passenger can purchase a ticket and board one of Burlington Trailways’ bright red motorcoaches in Indianapolis and make his/her way to Denver, if so desired,
and vice versa.
Included in this regular route operation is service to and from Omaha,
NE, Peoria and Champaign, IL, and such Iowa cites as Davenport (part of
Burlington trailways
Full service Bus Company with 31 years of success
By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine Editor
Page 8
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 9
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 10
the Quad Cities), Waterloo and
Dubuque.
“We have expanded our regular route
service over the years, which today
accounts for approximately 75 percent
of our overall business,” Ron Moore
said. “We also provide charter work,
packaged tours and retail tours. We
package these tours ourselves through
our own in-house travel agency.
“When it comes to charters and tours, we travel coast-to-coast and into Canada.”
Three Generations
t’s often been said that once the “bus business” gets into a person’s blood, it’s quite
hard for him or her do anything else. This has
certainly proven to be true for the Moore family
as three generations have now been involved with
bus transportation.
Ron Moore can trace his family’s roots in the
bus industry to his father, Raymond Moore, who
started Arrow Bus Lines in 1945 in Clifton, NJ.
The company was later known as Arrow
Trailways.
“After my father passed away, my sisters and I
inherited the business and I ran it for many
years,” Ron Moore said. “However, my wife
(Lori Moore) is from Indiana and we wanted to
raise our family in the Midwest, so we began to
look for opportunities to do so while staying in
I
Page 10
BUSLINE
The headquarters of Burlington Trailways includes a bus depot,
maintenance facility and administration offices.
the industry. We eventually sold our New Jersey
business and moved to Iowa. We acquired the
operating authority to certain Iowa and Missouri
routes from Continental Trailways.”
Bus travel has enjoyed a long history in the
Burlington, IA, area. The city, which has a population of approximately 25,000, is located in
southeastern Iowa and boarders the Mississippi
River. Next door is West Burlington, with nearly
3,000 people and home to the main campus of
today’s Burlington Trailways.
The roots of Burlington Trailways pre-dates
the arrival of the Moore family by several
decades. The Burlington Transportation
Company was started by the Chicago Burlington
Quincy (CBQ) Railroad in 1929. The railroad
division concentrated on freight, while the bus
line centered on passenger travel.
The Burlington Lines, as the bus division was
called, started with 1 bus running on Highway 34
between Burlington and nearby Galesburg, IL.
By the end of the year, buses were covering 858
January/February 2013
road miles. By 1931, the company had 17 bus
lines that covered 1,024 miles and carrying a
maximum of 21 passengers per bus. In 1934,
service was added to destinations including
Omaha and Denver.
The Motor Carriers Act of 1935 slowed the
growth of bus lines in the United States as restrictions were placed on railroad companies owning
such operations. In 1936, the National Trailways
Bus (NTB) System was formed to compete with
Greyhound Bus Lines. There were 5 bus lines that
made up NTB, with Burlington Trailways being a
founding member. NTB was the first organization
supporting and promoting independent motorcoach owners and operators, Moore said.
Various other changes took place with the bus
company in Burlington prior to the Moore family
moving west in October 1981.
“When we arrived, the company was a line
haul operation. My wife and I officially started in
January 1982 with 4 buses and 11 employees,
while serving passengers with daily runs between
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 11
WOULD YOUR TIRES COST LESS
IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO BUY THEM?
Get great tires without a great expense by paying for only the tires you use. Bridgestone
Mileage Sales can offer a price per mile for your charter, intercity or city-suburban operations.
You’ll get top-quality Bridgestone radial tires, backed by the largest support network in the country.
Call today, and let us handle your tire program, so you can focus on the rest of your business.
Mileage Sales Division s 1-800-342-MILE (6453)
Precisely The Right Tire.
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations
For more information visit our website
ZZZEULGJHVWRQHƂUHVWRQHPLOHDJHVDOHVFRP
©2012 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #327
4:33 PM
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 12
Cedar Rapids and St. Louis as well as Des
Moines, IA, and Peoria,” Ron Moore said.
“Burlington was the main stopping point and
where many of our drivers were based, so the
decision was made for our family to settle in this
area as opposed to Cedar Rapids or some other
place along our regular routes.
“Over time, Burlington Trailways started to
provide service to Peoria and Des Moines, eventually extending to Chicago. Our company also
picked up abandoned routes that traveled to
Davenport and Indianapolis.”
Today, the Moore family involved with
Burlington Trailways includes Ron and Lori
Moore (who works in accounting at the company);
son Matthew Moore, who
serves as executive vice president of operations, and his
wife, Angela Moore, vice
president of accounting; and
son Mark Moore, general
manager, and his wife,
Charity Moore, who is part
of the office staff.
Along with a continual
Burlington Trailways has a fleet of 32 motorcoaches.
expansion of bus transportation services, Burlington
Trailways has gone through a series of facility garage in place at another location. It was clear
we needed a more up-to-date facility, so we evenchanges at its headquarters in West Burlington.
“When we took over in 1982, there was a small tually moved to our current location in West
Burlington. Our company’s bus depot, meanwhile, was located at a nearby railroad station,”
Ron Moore said.
In 1999, a new bus depot and 6,000 square feet
of office space was built at the company’s West
Burlington headquarters. An existing building,
located next door, continued to house the
Burlington Trailways’ maintenance shop and
parts room.
Further expansion took place in 2009 when
officials at Burlington Trailways purchased an
existing building located about a mile from the
company's headquarters. The purpose of this
facility is to accommodate the travel, tour and
charter business of Burlington Trailways.
The last building expansion at the company’s
headquarters took place shortly thereafter, in
2011. Today, located next to its West Burlington
bus depot, a 59,000-square-foot complex
includes, among other features, six bus bays, 14
offices and a dispatch room. Also included are 4
dormitory rooms designed for drivers to use when
they need to spend the night between long trips.
For security measures, the complex is surrounded by a tall chain-link fence and electronic
gate.
“We also have a satellite garage in Davenport,
about three blocks from the bus depot in that city.
Three of our coaches are based out of this facility,” Ron Moore said. “We are looking to expand
in the Quad Cites area with a better facility and
more motorcoaches as there is a lot of growth
potential for this region.”
There are also a number of bus depots located
in the different cities Burlington Trailways’
coaches travel to and from on a daily bases. It is
at these depots where riders board and depart,
purchase tickets and receive travel information.
Many of these same depots are used by
Greyhound Lines.
“For example, we use Greyhound’s facilities in
Denver, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Chicago,
while Greyhound uses our facility in
Champaign,” Ron Moore said. “These are fullservice bus depots.”
Learn To Adapt
on Moore’s main advice when it comes
to succeeding in the motorcoach industry
may be simple to understand, but it’s not
R
Page 12
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 13
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #921
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 14
always easy to follow.
“You have to be willing to work hard and
adapt to change,” he explained. “You can’t
stand still in this business and say, ‘We have
everything where we want it, thus we are not
interested in changes.’ I have always believed
that if you start believing this way, then your
company will start going backward. You
always have to be looking ahead.
“It’s also vital to provide a good product. We
enjoy a lot of repeat business with our regular
route service, tour and charter work. There are
many customers who come back because they
like what we do as a company.”
According to Ron Moore, a common mistake
motorcoach operators can make when starting a
motorcoach operation is not truly understanding
their expenses. This, in turn, can place their company in economic peril.
“There were a lot of companies that entered the
charter business, for example, after our industry
went through deregulation. There were people
involved with these companies who saw the
money coming in, but didn’t understand where
their money was going. It’s something every
company must keep an eye on at all times,” Ron
Moore said.
He added there is often a fine line that a trans-
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #421
Page 14
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
portation company must walk when it comes to
its rate structure.
“When fuel prices go up, for instance, it’s
important to adjust your company’s rates.
However, it’s a sensitive market out there that
requires the right balance to be in place,” Ron
Moore said. “It’s important not to price your company out of the market, but you still have to make
a profit to stay in business. Again, there is a lot to
watch on a daily basis.”
Another component to any successful business
is hiring the right employees. In the transportation
marketplace — all positions are important, but
having good drivers is critical. Not only are drivers “the face” of a bus company for many customers, but few positions in today’s workforce
come with greater responsibilities.
At Burlington Trailways, the search of quality
drivers is usually an ongoing process.
“Years ago, we would conduct a school once
a year to train new drivers. Now, we are doing
this every one to two months,” Ron Moore
said. “Many of our older drivers are retiring.
Therefore, we continue to replenish our driver
pool. Burlington Trailways is also a growing
company. We need more drivers to fill new seats
as well as take over for current drivers when they
need a day off.”
Officials at Burlington Trailways believe in the
philosophy that most people can be trained to
safely drive a motorcoach — as long as they
come with the right personality and attitude.
“We are willing to train people who have
had no prior experience, and who do not currently possess a CDL license,” Ron Moore
said. “It takes anywhere from three to five
weeks, depending on the skills of the person, to
get him/her ready to drive for our company.
“We look for people with the right personality.
Our drivers must be friendly and customer-service oriented. We also look at a candidate’s driving
record and work history. If a person keeps changing jobs every six months or so, this could very
well raise a red flag for us. We also test these candidates. They must score at a certain level, and
the better they do on these tests, the more likely
we will offer them a position.”
Burlington Trailways also uses a mobile bus
simulator, which provides great training opportunities throughout the company’s service region.
“There are drivers of ours who are based out of
such places as Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar
Rapids, and Davenport. The simulator is driven to
their particular location for training, with the help
of our three safety trainers,” Ron Moore said.
To help the company find qualified drivers,
officials at Burlington Trailways advertise in various newspapers and work with job service
organizations found in Iowa and other states. It
also has a monetary incentive program in place
for current employees able to attract other people
to the company who successfully gain employment themselves at Burlington Trailways.
“It’s still a challenge today to find people who
want to work,” Ron Moore said. “Our entire
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 15
When quality, value,
and safety matter…
Secura® reliant®
New 3 Point Mobility Aid Securement System
Vision®
The Most Comfortable and Lightest
Stainless Seat in the Industry
…Buy American.
For over 80 years, American Seating has relied on American
innovation and manufacturing to build the best products in the industry.
Learn more about American Seating product at americanseating.com.
800-748-0353
BL-1-13
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #763
InSight®
North America’s
#1 Selling Transit Seat
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 16
in the winter and air conditioning
would be nice to have in the summer. Times have changed.
Today’s bus/motorcoach equipment, of course, is far more
advanced as customer demands
have grown as well.
New motorcoaches at
Burlington Trailways are
typically put into regular
route service for the first
one or two years of their
operation at the company
before being moved to
rabilia
o
m
other
lines of work, such as
e
with m
istory
h
.
charters
and tours. The comy
y
it
n
il
a
fac
omp
out the
nors c
h
o
pany’s
fleet
consists
of 32 motorg
h
u
s
o
r
y
d th
ilwa
isplaye
ton Tra
coaches, 14 of which are Prevosts. These vehiBurling rominently d
p
cles include a growing list of amenities, all
designed to keep riders safe and happy.
“Our Prevost models include the H3-45s, and
workforce is around 150 people. This includes
office workers, mechanics, ticket agents, dis- we just purchased three X3-45s this year,” Ron
patchers and cleaners. We currently employ Moore said. “We started purchasing Prevosts
years ago after receiving good reviews about their
around 65 drivers, which includes part-timers.”
reliability. With our regular route operation, especially the trips to and from Denver, these coaches
Modern Equipment For Modern Travel
hen Ron Moore started working in travel 20,000 to 22,000 miles a month. Reliability
the bus business decades ago, there is a must.”
He added the Volvo I-Shift transmission, feawere two basic needs that riders
requested while traveling — the heater must work tured in the company’s three new Prevost X3-45
W
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #504
Page 16
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
motorcoaches, has worked well. The transmission is designed to improve performance and fuel
economy. By continuously monitoring changing
grades, vehicle speed, acceleration, torque
demands, weight, rolling and air resistance, the IShift selects the most efficient utilization of the
engine and knows when and where a shift is most
beneficial.
Ron Moore’s son, Matthew Moore, who is
executive vice president of operations at
Burlington Trailways, said he has found the IShift transmission to have fewer maintenance
issues while providing greater fuel mileage.
“We have also seen an ease in service. With the
I-Shift, we can service the coach quicker and get
it back on the road,” Matthew Moore said. “There
also seem to be fewer problems with oil leaks.”
Providing greater comfort for riders is also an
essential part of doing business when it comes to
motorcoach travel. At Burlington Trailways, a lot
of attention is focused on not only comfort, but
safety and overall appearance as well.
“For example, we have our own upholstery
made. The main colors inside most of our
coaches are burgundy, grey and red,” Ron
Moore said. “These vehicles have red floors
which are waxed at regular intervals. They look
nice. We receive a lot of compliments when it
comes to our interiors.”
Other important amenities found inside
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 17
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #552
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 18
alerts the driver if a vehicle ahead is getBurlington Trailways’ vehicles include
ting close. If that vehicle gets too close,
XM radios, satellite televisions, WiFi as
then the yellow light will turn red and
well as in-seat audio capabilities so pasthe adaptive cruise control will automatsengers can use head-sets while listenically slow down the motorcoach,” Ron
ing to the radio or watching an on-board
Moore explained. “It’s a good safety
movie. These amenities are available for
tool and helps keep our drivers more
both tour and charter groups as well as
alert.”
regular route service.
The company’s touring coaches,
Always Looking
meanwhile, include galleys.
For New Destinations
“For our tours, we have an escort on
board along with blankets, hot towels,
n the people-mover business,
pillows, etc. In the morning, riders are
customers can ultimately decide
served roles, coffee, tea, hot chocolate
the fate of a transportation com— it’s a nice way to travel,” Ron Moore
pany. Burlington Trailways has been
Driver training remains an important focus at Burlington Trailways.
said.
able to thrive for 31 years due to the
Shown
in a training room are company representatives, left to right,
Keeping its fleet of vehicles clean is
belief that the rider must remain satisJosh Pihl, Larry Thomas and Jay Hauenstein.
a full-time job for specific personnel at
fied. Problems must also be quickly
Burlington Trailways. This includes
addressed.
will come in, receive fuel, get cleaned, inspected
both interior cleaning and outside washing. Work and then it’s ready to go back into service. If a
“People want to receive what they are paying
of this nature is done at the company’s main facil- vehicle requires a longer inspection, then it’s for, and if there is a problem, we will address it
ity at West Burlington as well as on the road.
moved to the side so it doesn’t stop the line of promptly. The ultimate goal is to keep customers
“We provide a monetary reimbursement for other coaches going through this process.”
happy and coming back,” Ron Moore said.
drivers while they are on the road to keep our
It’s also important for the company to reach
Technological improvements for the sake of
motorcoaches clean. We want our vehicles to safety are also greatly used at Burlington new customers and satisfy unique demands — all
always have a nice appearance,” Ron Moore Trailways. This includes adaptive cruise control, in an effort to achieve continual growth.
said. “Inspections are also very important as these which allows drivers to maintain a pre-set speed
“It’s nice to be able to work within a network
coaches are on the road quite a bit. They don’t while the system itself automatically monitors of other Trailways’ companies, such as when putstay in one place very long.
ting tours together,” Ron Moore said. “For examsurrounding traffic patterns.
“While at our West Burlington facility, a coach
“There is a yellow light on the dashboard that ple, we may have a group in Iowa that doesn’t
I
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #752
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 19
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #357
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:23 AM Page 20
want to ride a motorcoach all the way to Texas.
Through our travel agency, we can make arrangements for these people to fly to Texas, where
another Trailways’ company will transport them
around while in that state. This is all done for the
convenience of our customers.”
One-stop shopping remains an important
objective for Burlington Trailways’ charter and
tour efforts, he added.
“We can make all of the arrangements for a
trip when it comes to lodging, food, tickets —
whatever customers want us to do,” he said.
“We can provide a first class tour with great
hotels. Being able to do this well is our niche.”
When it comes to tours, officials at Burlington
Trailways put in a lot of effort when choosing
new and exciting destinations.
“We remain in constant contact with people
who sell destinations. Our own tour people use
the information they receive from these contacts
to come up with new ideas. We will then put a
tour together based on these ideas and see how
well it is received by our customers,” Ron Moore
said. “There are also customers who write on
their comment sheets what they want to see next.
If we get enough of them asking for the same type
of trip, then we work to arrange such a tour.
“You have to be adaptive in this business.
There is a younger generation of riders coming aboard who like to have less structure in
place regarding trips. They want to go to an
area and be on their own for a day or two,
then come back to the group. We try to
accommodate these people.”
Among the more popular tour destinations
lately for Burlington Trailways have been trips to
a vintage railway that operates in Colorado, travel to the Black Hills in South Dakota and fall
foliage tours on the East Coast.
“We also participate in an ocean cruise offering
every year for those people who don’t like to fly.
Our slogan is, ‘Don’t Fly, Don’t Cry, Go With
Trailways.’ We will transport these customers by
motorcoach to and from such port cities as
Miami, FL, New Orleans, LA, and Galveston,
TX,” Ron Moore said.
Driving Toward The Future
lways on the move, representatives at
Burlington Trailways are optimistic to
what 2013 will bring when it comes to
opportunities and growth potential. Ron Moore
sees a good future for not only his company, but
motorcoach travel in general.
“Regular route service has been holding its
own the past few years. It helps when gas gets to
the $4 a gallon level, meaning fewer people want
to drive their cars,” he said. “We are providing
some express trips for certain parts of the market.
Many riders located in such places as Iowa City,
IA, Davenport and Cedar Rapids have expressed
their desire for quicker routes.
A
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #744
Page 20
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
“Charters and tours, meanwhile, are always
changing, which we continually monitor. I think
the future is good for the bus industry, but you
must be ready to adapt to change. The main
objective, however, is to provide quality customer service.”
Although he has been president of Burlington
Trailways for many years, Ron Moore has
remained a driver for the company as well. It’s a
job he has always enjoyed, and allows him to better understand what it’s like to be on the road
these days.
“My expertise has always been in operations. I
like the interaction with people and selling our
service while on the road,” he said. “You can provide great service even if you have a breakdown.
It’s all about how you, as a driver and as a bus
company, handle each particular situation. You
always try to do the right thing for customers.
“As a driver, I also get to see how people treat
us, as a travel group, while on the road. This is
important when at a hotel or specific destination.
I am able to attain a different take on things. It’s
good to see first hand how we are being serviced
by others in the travel industry. Usually, everything goes well.”
Contact: Burlington Trailways,
906 Broadway,
West Burlington, IA 52655.
Phone: 319-753-2864.
Website: www.burlingtontrailways.com.
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 21
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #771
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 22
Despite the ever-present struggle for funding, four officials of public transit entities told Busline Magazine
recently how their respective systems are increasing ridership and services. All four veteran transit
professionals expressed optimism that an increasing number of people will see the benefits of riding
the bus as cities become more congested and environmental awareness is heightened.
By Rick Mullen, Busline Magazine Associate Editor
A
n act of the Minnesota State Legislature
created the Duluth Transit Authority
(DTA), of Duluth, MN, in 1969, making it one of the first publically owned, privately
managed systems in the country, according to
DTA General Manager Dennis Jensen.
At its inception, DTA was managed by ATE
Management Company, which was purchased by
Ryder Systems, Inc., in 1986. Ryder Systems
was bought by First Transit, Inc., in 1999. DTA
has maintained its relationship with the management company throughout its acquisitions. As a
privately managed system, DTA has no public
employees.
“We have a 62-bus fleet, and we operate out of
a facility that was constructed in 1981,” Jensen
said. “We travel about 2 million miles per year,
with a ridership exceeding 3.2 million a year. We
receive funding through a city of Duluth property tax. We receive state operating assistance, and
federal 5307 funding, as well. The city of Duluth
is an excellent supporter of public transit.”
Jensen said the cold weather the area experiences has been a positive factor in the high level
of support public transit receives, both from the
city government and the riding public.
“Public transportation is a very viable alternative to driving in the winter,” Jensen said. “There
is also a large senior population here and they
have always been supportive of public transit.”
PRICED TO SELL ² Attractive Lease Rates
(25) 1995²1998
¶DQG¶
Low Floor
New Flyer
Series 50
Allison B-400R
(11) µ-¶
Gillig
¶DQG¶
High & Low Floor
Series 50/Cummins
M-11
Allison B400R
(3) 1999
Neoplan
¶/RZ)ORRU
50 Series
Allison B500 Trans.
Thermo King
Lift-U lift
(1) 1992 MCI 96 A3
6V92 DDECII
Automatic Trans.
Plus more on our website: www.midwestbus.com Call: 800-627-6627
Midwest Bus Corporation, 1940 W. Stewart Street, Owosso, MI 48867
M
Page 22
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 23
COVERAGE THAT REVOLVES AROUND YOU
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Protective Insurance Company, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M.
Best, has been providing specialized insurance policies to the
transportation industry since 1950. Our hands-on approach to
insurance allows us to understand the needs of our customers
and form long-standing partnerships. We have a strong safety
culture, a tenured claims department and superior customer
service standards.
Here are just a few of the benefits Protective offers:
‡2XWVWDQGLQJFDVKIORZSD\PHQWRSWLRQV
‡6XSHULRUFODLPVVHUYLFH
‡$ELOLW\WRSDFNDJHDOOOLQHVRIFRYHUDJHLQFOXGLQJDXWR
liability, general liability, physical damage and
ZRUNHUV·FRPSHQVDWLRQ
‡'HGLFDWHGORVVSUHYHQWLRQWHDPWKDWVSHFLDOL]HVLQ
the transportation industry
OFFERING COVERAGE FOR:
MEDIUM FLEET TRUCKING | LARGE FLEET TRUCKING | PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION | WORKERS’ COMPENSATION | INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #520
protectiveinsurance.com
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 24
According to Jensen, DTA was one of the first
systems in the country to introduce and embrace
modern technologies such as AVL (automatic
vehicle locator) on its buses. In addition, today
DTA has digital street signs in place to tell riders
when the next bus is expected to arrive.
“Everything here is computerized,” Jensen
said. “Our maintenance inventory records, dispatching, trip scheduling, etc., is handled
through our IT program.”
At first, Jensen was concerned when DTA
implemented high-tech elements into the system.
“One of the fears I had was resistance from
bus operators about the technology we were
trying to put in place throughout the operation,” Jensen said. “What I forgot was, the
people we were hiring actually grew up with
computers, video games, smart phones, etc.,
so dealing with technology was second nature
to them.”
When is comes to hiring drivers, DTA is particular.
“We conduct a very thorough background
check on applicants,” Jensen said. “We use aptitude tests and follow the operators very closely
through their first six months of training to make
sure they are well suited to the job.
“Drivers are really DTA’s front line contact as
the public sees them everyday. They are actually the most critical people at the transit system.
DTA General Manager
Dennis Jensen
We believe if we hire right, we will save ourselves a lot of problems later.
“If we don’t have the proper screening and
clearance for the employees who are going to be
driving the buses, we only have ourselves to
blame if any problems arise.”
In the spirit of seeking new technologies to
meet the needs of the modern-day rider, DTA has
moved into the alternate fuels arena.
“We have six hybrid diesel/electric buses, and
we are looking at CNG,” Jensen said. “The city
of St. Cloud, MN, just received a grant for a
CNG fueling station and buses. We are watching
St. Cloud very closely as far as the cost and how
they go about implementing a CNG program,
because that will kind of set the tone for DTA.”
One major project DTA is looking forward to
completing is the construction of a $27 million
downtown intermodal transportation terminal.
“The terminal will be located strategically
about a block away from where we hope will
someday be the location of a commuter rail service between Duluth and Minneapolis, called ‘The
Northern Lights Express.’
“We are hoping there will be some preliminary engineering next year for that particular rail
line. The project had received some funding
from Congress, but the recession set in, putting
it on the back burner.
“It truly will be an intermodal terminal and we
hope to also have a bicycle shop there. We will
have facilities for van pools and we will have a
charging station for electric vehicles. It is quite
exciting and we are looking forward to its completion. Hopefully, we will start construction,
probably about June, with completion in late
November 2014.”
In addition to its fixed-route service, DTA also
contracts a paratransit operation called STRIDE,
which stands for Special Transit RIDE.
“The contractor is Transit Special Services out
of St. Cloud,” Jensen said. “DTA provides the
Keeping You in Motion
Transportation
Insurance
Brokers
800-248-2877
818-246-2800
www.tibinsurance.com
LOS ANGELES • NEW YORK • BALTIMORE • MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL • ORLANDO
CA LIC. #0705008
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #736
B
EXCL
Page 24
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 25
THE BEST BUS IS A FULL BUS
TEMSA MOTOR COACHES FROM CH BUS SALES ARE
THE ONLY 30’ AND 35’ INTEGRAL DESIGNED COACHES IN
THE UNITED STATES – THIS GIVES FLEXIBILITY TO BOLSTER
PROFITS WITH A FULL BUS AND THE COMFORT AND RELIABILITY
OF A
45’ COACH.
WITNESS THE DIFFERENCE!
CH
EAST
TONY MONGIOVI
856-325-0094
MIDWEST
RANDY ANGELL
507-331-7911
SOUTH
TIM VAUGHT
817-994-8692
BUS SALES
EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #159
www.chbussales.com
SOUTHEAST
TIM GULDIN
407-625-9207
WEST
RANDY KOLESAR
310-503-8892
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 26
The four colleges and universities participating in the U-Pass Program are The University of
Minnesota Duluth, The College of St.
Scholastica, University of Wisconsin Superior
and Lake Superior College.
When it comes to customer service, communication is key, Jensen said.
“The best thing we do is
to provide instant communication to customers,” he
said. “The information is
disseminated in more than
one format. We still have
the old paper schedules, but
now riders can also access
our schedules through the
Internet and with iPhones.
DTA vehicles on a blustery Minnesota day.
DTA has electronic signs
Pass Program is also one of the most popular downtown to inform people when the bus is
services DTA has ever introduced, Jensen said. coming.
“The greatest obstacle to riding the bus is
U-Pass has been in place for 12 years.
“DTA has an agreement with all four area col- not knowing when the bus is coming or what
leges, whereby, in exchange for an annual fee route it is taking. The difference between ridpaid by the colleges, we allow all the students to ing a bus and taking rail is, when a passenger
ride on the DTA U-Pass Program,” Jensen said. gets on a train, he or she knows it is only going
“They can ride any time, on any route. It is a 12- to go to one destination. The train is not going to
month-a-year program, which means students take a side street or go into a neighborhood the
who stay during the summer to work and those passenger is not familiar with. We have to prowho are local residents can continue to use the vide that same type of comfort level to people
using public transit, that they are secure on the
U-Pass bus system.”
vehicles, maintenance and fuel, and they provide
the employees and the dispatching. STRIDE is
headquartered in our main operating facility.”
While STRIDE is popular, especially with
Duluth’s large senior population, the college U-
bus. We want to give riders a sense of, not only
security, but also reliability. In other words,
the bus comes when it is supposed to come
and it is clean and not old and smoking.”
While security cameras on buses help riders
feel secure, DTA has also instigated a unique rule
to further enhance rider security.
“We have a very strong anti-profanity regulation,” Jensen said. “If you swear on a bus,
you will be taken off the bus. We don’t allow
profanity.
“The philosophy is most of the incidents
that occur on the bus, passenger-on-passenger
type incidents, start with profanity and then
escalate. At the first sign of something like
that, the driver stops the bus and gives the
offender one warning. At the second warning,
the person is off the bus or it is a 911 call.
“We have about 25 police officers who are
assigned to us on a part-time basis. We pay for
this service. We can call for that police security
and place them in areas where we are having
problems. We don’t use the security force very
often, but when we need them, the police officers
are available to us.”
Looking ahead, Jensen has the feeling that the
public across the nation is slowly coming to realize the country cannot sustain having a car, or
two or three in every garage.
“There must be alternatives, not only just from
an economical sense, but environmentally as
DIESEL ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS
The most profitable stop your bus can make!
Use the best quality factory authorized parts
and service for reliability you can count on!
• Detroit Diesel Engines
• Exchange Engines
• Mercedes-Benz Engines
• Carrier Air Conditioning
• Allison Transmissions
• Complete Diagnostic and Repair Services
• Filters, Batteries & More
• All Makes Parts
For more information call Mike DeStefano: 201-489-5800 or call your nearest location:
Diesel Emissions
Solutions Experts
Reduce pollution with
EPA approved emission solutions
from ADDA. Call today!
Page 26
BUSLINE
Lodi, NJ
Lodi, NJ
(Bus Service Center)
Piscataway, NJ
201-489-5800
201-291-8415
732-752-7100
Latham (Albany), NY
Ronkonkoma, NY
Middletown, CT
In Vermount call
Visit us online at: www.atlanticdda.com
518-452-0000
631-981-5800
860-632-0218
802-865-4672
Factory Authorized Sales, Service, Genuine Parts & Training
January/February 2013
C
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 27
A Trusted Name For Generations
COME SEE WHAT ALL THE BUZZIS ABOUT!
Monochem has taken the charter industry
to another level by providing
premium quality products.
Take advantage of our show specials
and come see all of the new products
we have added to the line.
Our mission is to provide
the charter industry
with all their fleet needs.
Visit
Our B
ooth
#545
at th
UM
e
A
MOT
ORCO
ACH
2013
EXPO
!
Come see what Monochem can do for you!
REGISTER TO WIN A 6-GAL
JUG OF OUR
TOILET DEODORIZER
* Winner will be announced
the last day of the show
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 28
well,” Jensen said. “I think rail has a very bright
future, but there must be feeder lines into rail
services.
“I think when people are making decisions
about where they work and where they live,
more and more they are going to make these
decisions based on the availability of alternative
transportation, and certainly bus and rail have a
very important role to play.”
Website: www.duluthtransit.com.
B
is-Man Transit supplies Bismarck, ND
(the state capital), and nearby Mandan,
ND, with CAT Bus fixed-route bus service six days a week (except Sundays), as well as
24/7 paratransit service, according to Transit
Executive Director Robin Werre.
Werre became transit director in 1990 when
the service was only comprised of paratransit
service for people with disabilities and seniors
age 60 or older.
“When I started, it was just a paratransit system,” she remembered. “We had no fixed-route
service at that time, and our door-to-door system
for the elderly and disabled was the most important thing.”
In July 2001, after completion of a transit
study, a proposal to begin fixed-route service
was accepted by the Bismarck City Commission
and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. In
10
%
33
%
100
¢ per
MILE
SAVINGS
SATISFACTION
In a maintenance cost comparison of leading
coach models, our Van Hool C2045 and
T2100 coaches racked up some impressive
numbers for participating fleet operators.
In fact, mile-after-mile research indicated
that Van Hool equipment saved operators
approximately 33% in select maintenancerelated expenditures over comparable
industry models.*
LET US SHOW YOU HOW Van Hool and ABC can help –
SAVE major maintenance dollars over the long haul
IMPROVE overall fleet management
ENHANCE long-term equipment value
INCREASE operational satisfaction
Learn more at
UMA Expo 2013,
ABC Booth #471
www.abc-companies.com
800-222-2871 ext. 77116
*Based on research covering more than 75 million motorcoach miles.
Page 28
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
August 2003, it was recommended and approved
that the fixed-route system be called Capital Area
Transit with the abbreviation of CAT.
On May 6, 2004, the official dedication of
CAT took place and the first rides began May 25.
Free rides were given during May and June to
introduce the new service to the communities.
“We have 12 fixed-routes within Bismarck/
Mandan,” Werre said. “We are now at around
600 rides a day on our paratransit, with more
than 10,000 people signed up. In addition, we are
up to 450 to 500 rides a day on our fixed-route
system. We have 23 smaller buses for paratransit,
and 10 larger vehicles for the fixed-route service.
“Our paratransit system operates door-to-door
and riders must qualify to use the service by filling out an application and providing proof of
their age and/or disability. Riders can go any
place between Bismarck and Mandan. We will
assist them from the door of a building to our
vehicle. Some of the riders have ridden with us
for 20 years and we get to know them very well.
We go far beyond what ADA (Americans With
Disabilities Act) regulations require.”
Bis-Man Transit is working to use funding
more efficiently by encouraging physically able
paratransit riders to use CAT fixed-route for
some or all of their trips. A free travel training
program is available for anyone interested in
learning how to use CAT.
“The more people we can move off the
paratransit system onto our fixed-routes, the
more we will be able to expand the fixed-route
system,” Werre said. “We are going to tighten
up our eligibility for our paratransit in order
to get people over to fixed-routes.
“Also, when we started, we had a lot of circular routes. We knew this was not the normal way
fixed-routes are planned, but we wanted to cover
the communities. As per a suggestion in our
most recent transit development plan, we would
like to straighten those routes and go more to a
hub and spoke type system with direct routes out
and back.”
The transit facility and both CAT buses and
paratransit vehicles are equipped with cameras,
as is the transit facility, to ensure passenger safe-
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 29
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #645
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 30
ty and to help solve any disputes that may arise.
Drivers are trained in first aid, CPR and other
emergency services.
Several transportation services are operated
out of the Bismarck-Mandan Transit Facility,
including CAT Bus, paratransit service and a taxi
service. The rural transit provider serving the
Bismarck area, West River Transit, also is
housed within the transit facility, and an agent in
the facility’s out-of-town bus depot provides
service for Rimrock Trailways Stages.
“The system is expanding and two additional
garages have been added to the facility to accommodate growth Bis-Man has experienced,”
Werre said.
In the Bismarck/Mandan area, like other small
urban places in the country, people have a desire
to drive their own vehicles and, for the most part,
do not have an interest in taking public transportation. These attitudes are changing, though,
as more people, many from larger cities, move
into the area to work in the nearby booming oil
fields.
“These people tend to be more familiar with
using public transit and are familiar with how
fixed-route services and schedules work,” Werre
said. “Misty (Curn) is our marketing director,
and she is constantly promoting the system,
building community relations, and working with
various service providers in the area to find the
best transportation solutions for riders.”
The oil boom in western North Dakota has
caused a couple of challenges for Bis-Man
Transit the past few years, including finding well
qualified drivers and increased population.
“Drivers are very difficult for us to hire
because the jobs in the oil fields pay way more
than what we could ever pay and many businesses have ‘help wanted’ signs posted,” Werre said.
“The whole western part of
our state has just boomed
overnight and Bismarck is
experiencing the overflow in
population from those areas.
“It is a 100- to 200-mile
commute from Bismarck to
the oil fields. People go there
and work 20 days on, 10 days
off. Housing is at a premium
price and in short supply in oil
country, so many oilfield
workers come to Bismarck with their families to
find a place to live. The increase in population
has made traffic and parking horrendous, but we
are adapting and seeking ways to help alleviate
those challenges by showing people the benefits
of using public transportation.”
Website: www.bismantransit.com.
S
erving Cheyenne, WY, Cheyenne
Transit Program (CTP) operates a fixedroute system 13 hours a day, while simultaneously serving the state’s capital city with
curb-to-curb paratransit service.
G e t Th e
HIGH EFFICIENCY
ALTERNATORS
AND MOBILE
ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
“We have experienced some growth over the
past few years,” CTP Director Joe Dougherty
said. “Although Cheyenne is the largest city in
the state, we are a community of approximately
70,000 people. We don’t have some of the same
demands that congested areas have, but we have
a system that has grown and has done good
things for the community. We think the community has become a little
more transit dependent
as time has passed. We
are helping a lot of people who are transportation disadvantaged, and
we are helping a lot of
seniors. About onefourth of our ridership is
senior citizens.”
When interviewed in late December,
Dougherty said the system was poised to reach
the 300,000 rides mark for 2012, which would be
an all-time high.
“We had come close to these ridership numbers
back in 2008, before the economy tanked,”
Dougherty said. “When the recession hit, we found
a lot of people who were utilizing the system didn’t have money in their pocket; therefore, they didn’t take quite as many bus trips. As a result, we
went down to about 250,000 rides per year.”
CTP employs about 30 drivers — half part
time and half full time. The transit system’s fleet,
PX-833 A d v a n t a g e !
The PennTex PX-833 is efficiently air-cooled with an output rating of
330 amps. The efficient PX-833 causes less drag on the engine
to produce the same output as the 50DN, which saves fuel.
Proudly Made
in the USA
REPLACES 50DN
BELT-DRIVEN UNITS
OIL TO AIR CONVERSION
KITS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
28V / 330A, with more than 230 amps at idle
Air-cooled for maximum performance
Efficient design reduces fuel consumption
High temperature bearings and grease
Utilizes all existing 50DN hardware: regulator,
wiring & pulley
Eliminates the possibility of failing a roadside
inspection due to a leaking alternator
A complete Equipment and Parts Catalog is available. It can be
downloaded from our expanded web site: www.penntexusa.com
PennTex Industries, Inc. 202 Plaza Dr.
Manchester, PA 17345
Page 30
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
Sales and Technical Toll Free: 877-590-7366
Sales Fax: 817-590-0505
email: [email protected]
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 31
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #859
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 32
how we can best serve riders
transfer station and administramost efficiently. We have tried
tive offices are all equipped with
to develop a system that stops
video surveillance cameras.
on the grid pretty much within
“We store our buses in an
every 1/4 of a mile when and
enclosed facility,” Dougherty
where we can.”
said. “We don’t have transit
The good news is Cheyenne’s
cops, per se, like they do in some
economy has remained fairly
of the bigger cities, but we have
robust during recent recessiona good working relationship
ary times. The bad news is, in
with law enforcement in terms
good economic times, CTP has a
of support.
hard time keeping part-time
“We have kind of held the
drivers, Dougherty said.
line on spending the past two
“Nearly 30 percent of the peoyears, and have done without
ple in this community work for
capital outlay for bus replaceCheyenne Transit Program employees display Safe Driver Awards.
the government. Cheyenne is a
ment plans. However, we have
been creative and found some state funds this relationships with our customers,” Dougherty county seat, as well as the state capital. It is the
past year that will allow us to replace two of said. “Our vision is to provide safe, reliable pub- largest city in the state and there is an Air Force
our fleet of 22 buses within the next six lic transportation, and help the people riding the base here. There is also oil exploration taking
system sustain their self-sufficiency.
place and Cheyenne is the closest city in
months.
“For those people who no longer have the Wyoming to the Denver urbanized area (about
“We have maximized our federal dollars and
tried to minimize our local match, like a lot of ability to transport themselves, we want to help 100 miles to the south). There has been pretty
systems try to do. We will continue to strive to them to continue to lead productive lives. We solid growth in Denver and the Front Range of
provide what we think has become an important want to help them to be able to support them- Colorado.
service to our community. People we serve selves and their families.”
“We have a big industrial park just a few miles
To help ensure CTP is meeting the needs of south of Cheyenne on Interstate 25 toward
would really miss public transportation if it wascustomers, the transit system will be developing Colorado, and we think it is going create more
n’t here.”
In serving in a smaller community, CTP driv- a new five-year transportation plan in 2013.
boom. They built the park and have sold nearly all
“We really try to involve local people, peo- properties in the first phase of development. Phase
ers know many riders by name, and customers
ple with special interests and other trans- two offerings are being prepared for the future.”
know the drivers.
“From this standpoint, we have a pretty good portation providers into the discussion on
Because Cheyenne is a smaller city without a
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #504
Page 32
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 33
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #845
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 34
serious congestion problem, getting people to
leave their cars and trucks at home and take public transportation is an ongoing challenge.
However, Dougherty thinks public attitudes
toward taking the bus are slowly changing.
“I think public transportation will become a
much bigger part of people’s lives everywhere, including here in Cheyenne, in the next
10 to 20 years,” Dougherty said. “It just stands
to reason. It is more expensive and more difficult to maintain a private vehicle. In addition,
the population is aging and people have infirmities that keep them from operating their own
vehicle.
“I was in Europe in April. When I look at what
Europe has done for public transportation, I
don’t know that we are built that much differently than they are. Ultimately, I think the nation
will continue to see that public transportation is a
pretty good investment.
“One of the most amazing things I’ve seen
is that college kids (Cheyenne has a large
community college) have really come around
and are utilizing public transportation.
When I was a student, I wouldn’t have considered getting on a transit bus. However, we find
young college kids, as well as others all the
way into their early 30s, don’t think twice
about riding the bus.”
Website:
www.cheyennecity.org/index.aspx?NID=252.
S
erving the city of Lincoln, the capital of
Nebraska, StarTran operates 75 vehicles
(62 fixed-route and 13 paratransit), traveling about 1.7 million miles a year, with a ridership of more than 2 million people a year,
according to StarTran
Transit Manager Larry
Worth. StarTran vehicles
are equipped with surveillance cameras and AVL.
“AVL and security
cameras have really been a good
thing for us,” Worth said. “The
security cameras save us a lot of money. When
people say they fell, or get hurt, we have video
tape to find out what happened.”
One new feature that is proving to be popular
is the addition of bike racks on the buses.
“We are carrying 90 bikes a day, depending on
the weather, and not just around the university,”
Worth said. “Lincoln has an extensive trail system, where many people ride bikes.”
StarTran’s paratransit operation, called HandiVan, is a door-to-door transportation service to
help meet the needs of individuals who, because
of a disability, are unable to ride the regular fixedrouted city system. Paratransit vans account for
about 61,000 trips per year, Worth said.
“We are not an authority, but part of the city of
Lincoln’s Public Works Department,” Worth
said. “All of our budgeting is through the city of
Lincoln. Since StarTran has to compete for funds
with police, fire, libraries, etc., we don’t always
get what we want. However, we do pretty well in
meeting our riders’ needs.”
Worth said StarTran is known throughout the
industry for embracing alternate fuels. Currently,
StarTran’s entire fleet operates on
bio-fuels.
In January 2013, StarTran
will significantly expand its
service to the two University
of Nebraska campuses located in Lincoln. StarTran has
traditionally shared bus service to the campuses
with the University of Nebraska.
“We will be taking over all the service under
contract with the university,” Worth said. “We
are adding another five buses for this project and
several more drivers. We have hit the 2 million
ridership mark and, with the additional university service, we will adding another 300,000 to
400,000 riders.
“We only operate until about 7 p.m., and I
think there is a need for more night service, especially in a university city. When we take over the
university service, we will be operating on a limited basis in the evenings, mostly between the
campuses, which are about four miles apart.
There is no Sunday service, but we do operate
six days a week.
“Our goal throughout the system is to eventu-
Natural gas -- Supplied to millions of
businesses throughout the U.S. upon
demand; one of the most efficient,
cost-effective, environmental friendly
and domestically- abundant fuels
available.
BAUER…the brand most trusted by our
Nation’s Firefighters, First Responders and
Armed Forces for high pressure breathing air is
also a trusted name in NGV refueling. We offer
the most complete line of continuous-duty
rated natural gas compressors that are perfectly suited for fleets of all sizes. When you
think compressors...THINK BAUER.
More information under www.bauercng.com
COMPACT SERIES
BAUER COMPRESSORS INC., 1328 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23502, Phone 757-855-6006, Fax 757-857-1041, [email protected]
Page 34
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 35
news from prevost
Prevost Introduces Prevost Tools Mobile App
One of StarTran’s 75 vehicles.
ally increase night service until at least 10 to 11 p.m. This is the biggest
request that we hear from passengers.”
StarTran also operates the “Big Red Express,” which is a shuttle service
for University of Nebraska football games.
In their quest to improve services across the board, StarTran officials are
looking forward to being a part of a downtown rejuvenation initiative,
which includes building a new arena downtown. Worth said part of the
vision for the rejuvenation effort is potentially providing shuttle service
between parking lots and areas of interest downtown, such as the restaurant
district and the new arena.
“To participate in this project will be exciting as we go forward,” Worth
said. Worth also said information he has seen coming from APTA
(American Public Transportation Association) indicates ridership in the
country has increased for several years.
“I think people are becoming more prone to looking at ways to use
transit,” Worth said. “Nationwide, people in big cities are slowly beginning to recognize transit as a good way to get to and from work, school,
the doctor, shopping, etc. I’m encouraged about the direction public
transportation is going.”
Website:
www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/startran/.
Prevost has introduced another mobile app
which allows Prevost operators and maintenance
facilities to access many valuable resources.
The newest Prevost app, called Prevost Tools,
puts access to many Prevost Service tools all in one
application. From any mobile device such as Apple
iOS or Android phones and tablets, the user can link
to wiring diagrams, pneumatic diagrams, technical
manuals, driver’s guides and service bulletins for
any Prevost or Volvo motorcoach.
The app also provides links to Prevost online
warranty services, Prevost Liaison telematics system, and online parts ordering. Users can connect to the Prevost Merchandise website and Prevost Diecast Model website as well. In addition, the app contains a
gallery of seated coach and motorhome images, which can be downloaded or set
as wall paper for the mobile device.
The app is available in English, French and Spanish versions. Mobile device
users can download the app for free at Apple’s App Store for iOS devices or
Google Play for Android devices.
Prevost Donates H3-45 Motorcoach To ABA Foundation Live Auction
Prevost donated a 2013 H3-45 motorcoach to
the American Bus Association Foundation Live
Auction, which was held Sunday, January 6, at
ABA Marketplace 2013 in Charlotte, NC.
Donations to the Foundation Live Auction
help support ABA Scholarships, Industry
Research, and Educational Programs. The ABA
Foundation has awarded nearly 200 scholarships worth over $600,000 to industry families. The ABA research program has
invested nearly $400,000 to show the societal impact of motorcoach travel and
tourism. ABA provides the information to change minds and win allies in legislatures across the country. Visit www.prevostcar.com for more information.
GROUPS LOVE TO STAY THE NIGHT
OR PLAY FOR THE DAY
AT THE ALL NEW RESORTS CASINO HOTEL
&YQFSJFODF UIF OFX 3FTPSUT
$BTJOP )PUFM JO "UMBOUJD $JUZ
XJUI UIF IPUUFTU TMPUT BOE
UBCMF HBNFT "UMBOUJD $JUZT
MBSHFTU TUBOEBSE SPPNT FY
DFQUJPOBM EJOJOH BO BMMZPV
DBOFBU CVGGFU BOE UIF CFTU
SFWVFTIPXTJO"$
COMING SPRING 2013!
You can also earn and use your Comp Dollars (Player’s Club points) at
Mohegan Sun, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and Resorts Casino Hotel!
www.MargaritavilleAtlanticCity.com
t":FBSSPVOE-BOE4IBSL#BS(SJMMPOUIFCFBDI
t#FBDI#BS0QFO4FBTPOBMMZ
t0$MPDL4PNFXIFSF$BTJOP#BS
t.BSHBSJUBWJMMF3FTUBVSBOU
t3FUBJM4IPQTBOENPSF
CONTACT MEG LEWIS AT 609.340.7715 FOR BOOKINGS OR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Visit us at ResortsAC.com and follow us at
7x5 Busline Ad.indd 1
/ResortsCasino
/ResortsCasino
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 35
12/20/12 4:58 PM
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 36
8.375x10.8
O
rlando, FL, is the home of the United Motorcoach Association’s
(UMA) 2013 Motorcoach Expo at Travel Exchange. For the
first time, the UMA Expo will come together with the National
Tour Association (NTA) Convention. The two organizations will be colocating these events on January 20-24, 2013, at the Orange County
Convention Center.
NTA’s educational sessions and the NTA Mall are open to all UMA
Motorcoach Expo participants at no additional cost. Meanwhile, UMA’s
educational sessions and Expo floor are also open to all NTA Convention
participants at no additional cost. Joint events are open to all participants as
well. NTA’s Exchange appointments on Wednesday, January 23, and
Thursday, January 24, are open to UMA Expo participants for a fee.
On Sunday, January 20, UMA Expo registration will be open from 11
a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Exhibit Hall lobby. Additionally, the UMA State
Association Summit is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Also taking
place on this day will be various NTA events, including a buyer-to-buyer
exchange, educational sessions and a faith leaders forum.
The UMA and NTA Welcome Reception/Icebreaker will be located at the
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Merritt Island, FL. Coaches will
depart from all Travel Exchange hotels for the event at 6:30 p.m. The reception is scheduled from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Monday, January 21, registration opens at 7:30 a.m. through 6:30 p.m.
An opening ceremony is scheduled from 8 to 9 a.m. on Monday with former NASA astronaut Robert (Bob) C. Springer serving as the keynote
speaker. This will be followed by the UMA Active Member Meeting and
Legislative & Regulatory Update, from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. Also starting at
9:15 and running until 4:30 p.m. is the UMA Maintenance Interchange.
Various pavilion appointments and educational sessions also take place on
Monday.
A major event on Monday will be the UMA Expo Exhibit Hall Sneak
Preview/NTA Wine Reception, taking place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Exhibitors will give demonstrations and showcase their latest industry prod-
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #712
Page 36
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 37
8.375x10.875 Claims Mgmt Ad:8.375x10.875_Ad_ClaimsMgmt 8/24/12 9:51 AM Page 1
NATIONAL INTERSTATE:
SUPERIOR
CLAIMS HANDLING –
IT’S
WE DO.
WHAT
As specialists in wheels-based insurance, we aggressively
adjust hundreds of millions of dollars in claims each year.
And on every claim, we fight tirelessly to keep customer
costs low. In fact, a recent study of 90+ years of Workers’
Comp and Auto Liability claims for 25 transportation
companies, our techniques helped our customers enjoy a
20% savings compared with their previous carriers. But
don't just take our word for it, here’s the story straight
from two of our customers:
MICHAEL, COACH TOURS
LYNN, RMA CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION
“As an alternative risk client of National Interstate, I have
found their claims process to be far superior to what I had
come to expect after 20 years in the transportation business.
Their staff communicates with me frequently about even a
minor claim. We have saved a significant amount compared
to what I had expected our claims would cost. I get the
feeling that
“Accidents can be emotional events.
National Interstate is working
as hard as they can to keep the
costs down.”
National
Interstate has removed the emotion
and substituted it with compassion and
solutions. They’ve guided us through all our accidents
and resolved each one in a timely manner -- all while
communicating with us at every step. Insurance is a necessity
but, with National Interstate, it’s also an investment in our
business success.”
3250 Interstate Drive
Richfield, Ohio 44286
800-929-1500
www.natl.com
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #607
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 38
ucts and services during the sneak preview.
The UMA Motorcoach Expo at Travel Exchange on Tuesday, January 22, will
begin at 7:30 a.m. with a Maintenance Competition held at the Escot Bus Lines
facility. This event will last until 11 a.m. and provides participants with a chance
to compete against each other to solve different maintenance-related issues.
Tuesday’s UMA Expo registration is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
There will also be a continental breakfast at the Exhibit Hall from 8 to 9 a.m.
The UMA Expo Exhibit Hall will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on
Tuesday, allowing attendees to visit a wide variety of vendors. Lunch will
be served at the Exhibit Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on this day.
Also taking place on Tuesday will be several UMA Educational Sessions at
the Exhibit Hall. From 8:15 to 9:15 a.m., a “Young Guns Round Table” is slated for the UMA Education Pavilion. During the same time period, a
“Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Inspection Demonstration” will
take place at the UMA Demo area at the Exhibit Hall.
From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, a session titled, “The First 24 Hours:
How To Develop, Implement And Test A Serious Incident Response Plan” will
take place at the UMA Education Pavilion at the Exhibit Hall. From 2 to 3 p.m.
on the same day, “An Industry Crisis: Succession Planning In The Motorcoach
Business” program will also be presented at the UMA Education Pavilion.
Taking place at the same time at the UMA Demo area at the Exhibit Hall will
be a “Vehicle Lifts Safety” program.
From 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. the final UMA Educational Session on Tuesday will
take place at the UMA Education Pavilion at the Exhibit Hall. This program is
titled, “Utilizing Fleet Management Technologies To Improve Your
Efficiencies And ROI.”
Also taking place on Tuesday will be several NTA-focused events.
Tuesday’s final event will be the UMA and NTA Awards Dinner, scheduled
from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at Room SA1 at the Orange County Convention Center.
The final day that the Exhibit Hall will be open is Wednesday, January
23. Show floor hours for this day are 8 a.m. until noon, with registration
beginning at 7:30 a.m. A continental breakfast at the Exhibit Hall will take
Page 38
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 39
place from 8 to 9 a.m., while a luncheon is scheduled from noon until 1:30 p.m.
Also taking place on Wednesday are several more UMA Educational
Sessions. From 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. at the UMA Education Pavilion at the Exhibit
Hall will be a program titled, “After The Injury — Key Components To
Effectively Manage A Worker’s Compensation Program.” At the same time, a
second CVSA Inspection Demonstration will take place at the UMA Demo area
at the Exhibit Hall.
Two UMA Educational Sessions take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on
Wednesday. “Ten Mobile Technologies That Will Increase Revenue, Improve
Customer Service And Reduce Risk” is the name of a program that will be held
at the UMA Education Pavilion at the Exhibit Hall during this time slot, while
an “Open Doors ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) Demonstration” is set
for the UMA Demo area at the Exhibit Hall.
From 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the Education Pavilion, a UMA
Educational Session titled, “Managing Passenger Safety And Security In
Today’s Media Connected World” is scheduled. This will be followed by a business management seminar featuring “Spader’s Total Management Program.”
Many NTA-sponsored events will also take place on Wednesday including
educational sessions, DMO category breakouts, and exchange appointments.
The NTA Mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Wednesday will conclude with “A Party At NASCAR Sports Grille” scheduled from 7 to 9:30 p.m. This event is located just outside the gates of the
Universal theme park. It will be followed by “Tourism Rocks At Hard Rock
Cafe” from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The latter event is sponsored by Las Vegas
CVA, Hard Rock Cafe and Prevost. Tickets for exhibitors and non-exhibiting
suppliers are available for purchase. Motorcoach operators can pick up complimentary tickets at any sponsor booth.
Taking place on Thursday, January 24, will be the UMA 9th Annual Ray
Dupuis Memorial Golf Tournament. The event will be held from noon to 6 p.m.
at the Grand Cypress Golf Club in Orlando.
A number of NTA events will also take place on Thursday.
Visit www.motorcoachexpo.com for more information. Dates and times are
subject to change.
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #712
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 39
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 40
ABC sAles
400 Refurbished Coaches For Greyhound
ABC Companies has announced the completion
and delivery of the 400th Greyhound refurbished
bus. Launched in late 2010, the Greyhound Fleet
Revitalization Program was designed to enhance
the Greyhound passenger trip experience by giving
the fleet’s MCI-model motorcoaches an overall
facelift, acording to ABC spokespeople.
As part of a multi-year program to refurbish the
fleet, Greyhound vehicles have been arriving at
ABC’s refurbishment facility in Nappanee, IN, to
undergo a process designed to recondition units
www.budgettruckandauto.com
Pictured top row left to right are
Denny Hasamear, Greyhound; Matt Irvin, ABC
Companies; Grant Gelert, Greyhound; Mark Leahy,
Greyhound; and Lee Loper, ABC Companies.
In the front is Rubinstein Charles, Greyhound.
Painting
Ricon Lifts
Fabrication
Vinyl Graphics
Collision Repair
Certified Welding
Frame Straightening
:$YDORQ5G‡-DQHVYLOOH:,
3+21(‡)$;72//)5((
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #551
Page 40
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
from bumper-to-bumper. The first of the modernized Greyhound coaches rolled out of the facility in
September 2011.
ABC says each bus passes through 25 separate
work stations during the refurbishment process,
which takes approximately 45 days to complete.
Upgrades to the original coaches include WiFi,
110V outlets, LED lighting, leatherette passenger
seating and extra legroom, as well as wheelchair
lifts.
A strong workforce of mechanics, detailers,
upholstery experts, technicians, and team members
working at the ABC/Greyhound Nappanee facility
have contributed to the success of the Greyhound
Fleet Revitalization program since its inception.
ABC Companies continues to refurbish and deliver
approximately 19 revitalized Greyhound coaches
each month.
Visit www.abc-companies.com.
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 41
ADVERTORIAL
Distinctive Systems: Specializing In Comprehensive Software
Distinctive Systems is an independent software vendor specializing in the development of
products for coach, bus and truck companies.
Established for 30 years, they have supplied hundreds of systems to operators throughout the
United Kingdom, Ireland, North America, South
Africa, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
The range of software is comprehensive and
includes systems for managing coach based
charters, regular contract work, community
transport operations, gross payroll, vehicle maintenance, workshop management and both back
office and online reservations for extended tours,
sightseeing trips and shuttle services.
All of the applications are Windows based and
have been developed using Microsoft Visual
Studio. The success that has been achieved over
the years comes about as a direct result of their
unique experience of both the IT and passenger
transport industries.
The year 2012, in particular, has been very
exciting at Distinctive Systems. A new Rental
Option has been offered to clients for all 3 of the
Distinctive Systems applications. This has led to
another record amount of new client adds to the
Distinctive Systems user base. In fact, year after
year, for the past 3 years, have seen increased
user additions in record numbers.
The Annual User Group meeting, coupled with
an ongoing webinar series and expanded
Support Services, has ensured successful implementations, ongoing growth of the usage of the
applications with existing clients and continued
interaction with the publisher and actual developers of the products.
Numerous features and enhancements have
been added to the entire product suite. Topping
the enhancement list is the new Coach Manager
Gross Payroll module. The module has been
eagerly anticipated by clients since new functionality for gathering vehicle and driver actual
mileages and duty times was introduced just
over a year ago. Intended to form the basis of the
planned payroll functionality from the outset; the
finished result provides operators with the most
powerful specialized payroll solution ever to be
made available to the North American motorcoach industry.
Also released in 2012 is an integration from the
Microsoft SQL Server based Coach Manager
charter and contract booking system to
Microsoft Dynamics GP General Ledger. The
integration, which is incorporated directly into the
Coach Manager software, consists of a batch
controlled CSV export of invoice, credit, adjustment and payment transactions.
An integration built using Microsoft's
Integration Manager tool is then used to import
the resulting data file into Microsoft Dynamics GP
General Ledger. The Coach Manager side of the
integration is available free of charge to all clients
with current Coach Manager Software
Maintenance agreements.
Additional features have been continually
added to the Tour Booking System (TBS).
Scheduled to be released in early 2013 is a
fully revised and updated data driven website
which is a component of the in-house reservation system. This allows operators to create
and maintain a professional website without
the expense of employing a specialist web
design company.
The full TBS application can be further extended with the addition of the TBS Online Booking
facility. The Online Booking facility allows clients
to create an account, enter passenger names,
select their seats, choose pick-up points, select
their preferred accommodation along with any
supplements, accept or decline insurance and
pay either a deposit or in full as appropriate.
Work on the Vehicle Maintenance System
(VMS) has continued as well. An optional tire
management module has been designed to
manage the maintenance and history recording
of individual tires fitted to vehicles in the fleet.
This new module is also scheduled to be
released in early 2013.
For further details, or to arrange a no obligation demonstration, please call 646-448-9981.
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #623
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 41
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 42
BUSLINE
ARI-HETRA
12775 Randolph Ridge Lane
Manassas, VA 20109 USA
703-359-6265
FAX: 703-359-6405
Web Site: www.ari-hetra.com
Products: ARI-HETRA is the U.S. manufacturer of a full
line of heavy-duty vehicle maintenance equipment.
Known for products including its mobile lifting system,
exhaust extraction system and heavy-duty wheel service
equipment.
ARI-HETRA Mobile Lifting Systems are capable of
servicing all types of heavy-duty vehicles and equipment.
There are no limitations regarding vehicle weight, wheelbase or configuration. 08
BUYERS
GUIDE
Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.
3501 S. Leonard Rd.
St. Joseph, MO 64503 USA
816-233-6121 FAX: 816-233-7251
Web Site: www.grayusa.com
Products: Gray Manufacturing is a family-owned
and operated company. It designs, manufactures, sells
and services innovative, high-quality and reliable
professional service equipment for the automotive,
truck, and service vehicle industries.
Gray offers a complete line of professional service
equipment including: mobile column lifts, wheel lift
systems, transmission and component jacks, air jacks,
floor jacks, vehicle support stands, shop presses,
wheel dollies, fluid handlers, forklift jacks, oil filter
crushers, and truck tire changers. 09
TO
MAHA USA
See Ad On Page 43
2404 East Highway 134
Pinckard, AL 36371 USA
866-624-2872
FAX: 334-983-1094
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.maha-usa.com
Company Officers: Wolfgang Raffler, Managing
Director/ COO
Products: Combining leading technology with quality features and benefits, MAHA USA is a leader in
providing heavy-duty workshops, municipalities, and
the U.S. government with some of the most innovative lifting systems on the market. All MAHA USA
mobile column lifts are made in the USA.
PLEASE VISIT
BUSLINE
M
A G A Z I N E
AT UMA EXPO BOOTH
509
#
UMA EXHIBIT HALL HOURS
January 21 - January 23
Monday, Sneak Preview 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 8 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday, 8 a.m. - Noon
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #929
Page 42
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 43
MAHA USA’s most prized lift, the Wireless MCL,
is the only wireless mobile lifting system on the market designed with a re-circulating ball screw lifting
mechanism, according to the company. The re-circulating ball screw technology assures years of troublefree service. MAHA USA’s ball screw design eliminates fluid leaks and synchronization problems and
will operate at any temperature, inside or outside.
Available capacity options include 16,000 pounds or
18,000 pounds per column. Specifically designed
with user-friendly wireless communication, the
columns have the ability to communicate on up to 10
different frequency channels, allowing operation of
multiple sets in the same area.
In addition to mobile column lifts, MAHA USA is
a complete workshop supplier, offering a full line of
heavy-duty workshop equipment consisting of the
KAR pantograph lift, Vega parallelogram lift, lowrise wheel lifting systems, jack stands, transmission
and clutch jacks, shop cranes, lifting tables, wheel
balancers, tire changers, emission testers and PBBT
certified brake testers. 13
[email protected]; Buck Gasner, Sales [email protected]; Tim Gralewski, Sales [email protected]
Products: Mohawk, a leader in lift technology, offers
environmentally safe above-ground lifts ranging
from 6,000 to 240,000 pound capacities. Mohawk
manufactures two post lifts, scissor lifts, turf lifts,
four-post lifts, mobile column lifts, parallelogram
lifts, many specialty items and lift accessories. Since
1981, Mohawk has manufactured the highest quality,
safest auto and truck lifts available, according to the
company. Mohawk is a lift supplier for garages, independent shops, government, state, utility, and fleet
lifting requirements. Mohawk’s popularity is based
on a combination of safety systems, design, construction, and an inclusive warranty.
Mohawk products have passed rigid third party
compliance testing to ANSI/ALI ALCTV-2011.
Certification for ANSI compliance has become
important to lift specifiers and users. Mohawk Lifts
are designed, welded, and manufactured in the
U.S.A. 13
Mohawk Lifts (Mohawk Resources Ltd.)
65 Vrooman Ave. \ P.O. Box 110
Amsterdam, NY 12010 USA
800-833-2006 FAX: 518-842-1289
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.mohawklifts.com
Company Officers: Steve Perlstein, Sales Manager [email protected]; Ray Pedrick, Sales -
Omer North America Inc.
2300 Speers Rd.
Oakville, Ontario L6L 2X8 CANADA
877-799-5438 FAX: 905-891-1214
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.karliftsolutions.com
Company Officers: Harold Yeo, Orietta Rosatto
Products: Omer North America offers the KAR
LIFT Pantograph lift in capacities - 44,000, 55,000,
66,000, 77,000, 88,000 and 99,000 lb. The KAR
LIFT is available in runway lengths - 23’, 26’, 30’,
33’, 36’, 48.5’ long powder coated or completely hotdipped galvanized. All of these models have been
ALI/ETL certified to the new AL CTV 2011 standards. Omer has built KAR LIFTS up to 57’ long and
121,000 lb. capacity. Omer holds several patented
design features that include a “Volumetric Control”
that eliminates all electronics on the lift, and AOS
energy absorbing material that eliminates the need for
the lift scissors to have “slide” to eliminate stress. For
customers who prefer electronic synchronization,
Omer offers a four motor/pump control with industrial inclinometers mounted on each scissor. 13
Rotary Lift
2700 Lanier Drive, Madison, IN 47250 USA
800-640-5438 FAX: 800-578-5438
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.rotarylift.com
Products: Rotary Lift is a leading manufacturer of
vehicle lifts designed to increase technician productivity and fleet uptime. With a commitment to product quality, testing and safety, Rotary Lift’s products
have achieved a solid reputation. Rotary Lift offers a
full line of heavy-duty vehicle lifts for servicing the
wide range of buses on the road today. The line
includes inground, scissor, parallelogram, mobile
column and four-post surface lifts. With more than
1,000 installed over the last 10 years, the Rotary Lift
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #413
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 43
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:24 AM Page 44
MOD30 environmentally friendly inground lift is a
reliable choice. It was recently updated with an ultralow profile superstructure for lifting low-floor and
kneeling buses.
Rotary Lift’s EFX60™ inground scissor lift is fast
and easy to set up, so technicians can spend more
time working on the bus. The EFX60 also uses
stronger components for extended service life. The
Wireless Mach 4™ mobile column lift is a wireless
lift with standard back-up communication cables to
ensure virtually zero downtime. Rotary Lift is a
Vehicle Service Group (VSG) brand. VSG’s global
headquarters and ISO 9001-certified North American
manufacturing operations are in Madison, IN. Rotary
Lift’s MOD30, EFX60, Wireless Mach 4, Mach 4,
parallelogram and heavy-duty four-post lifts are all
made in the U.S.A. 13
Sefac, Inc.
See Ad On Page 42
23 Fontana Lane, Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21237
443-730-1023 FAX: 443-730-1026
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.sefac.com
Products: After the recent launch of the SEFAC S1,
SEFAC lifts are now available in two capacities. The
S3 has a capacity of 18,000 lbs (per column), making it ideal for the heavy-duty motor coach/transit
bus applications; and the S1, which comes in a
12,000 lb. capacity and is suited for light-to-medium-duty fleets. While many are familiar with the
benefits of a portable lift, the drive mechanism is
what sets SEFAC apart. For 40 years, all SEFAC lifts
have used a guaranteed failsafe steel screw, bronze
load nut and steel back-up nut. The self locking
characteristics ensure that the vehicle will always
remain in the air, and that the only means of
raising/lowering is by the operator pressing the
up/down button. It is also proven to last longer than
other systems as it does not wear when the vehicle is
raised. Both products come with great features and
user-friendly controls, and both products are backed
up by the best after-sales support in the business,
according to the company. SEFAC technicians are
on hand to take care of any unforeseen maintenance
issues and the company offers a range of preventative maintenance agreements. 13
Stertil-Koni
200 Log Canoe Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666 USA
410-643-9001 FAX: 410-643-8901
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.stertil-koni.com
Products: Stertil-Koni, based in Stevensville, MD, is
one of the fastest growing heavy-duty vehicle lift companies in the United States, according to the company.
With an extensive inventory of lifts, and working
through an exclusive network of distributors, StertilKoni sells its complete line of heavy-duty vehicle lifts
throughout the United States and Canada. Stertil-Koni
has expanded manufacturing of its broad range of
mobile column lifts in the United States with manufacturing facilities in Streator, IL.
Stertil-Koni manufactures all types of heavy-duty
lifts, including mobile column lifts, platform lifts, parallelogram lifts, in-ground axle engaging lifts, and
two-post lifts. Stertil is ISO 9001 certified, and most
lifts are ALI/ETL certified. 12
NICB's 2012 Investigator of the Year Jim Dunn (left)
joins with his Lancer SIU colleagues Geraldine
Gragnaniello, NCIB award recipient Irene DeSimoneFord, Greg Frey and Holly Ritholtz.
Lancer Insurance Special Investigations
Unit Members Receive Recognition
Lancer’s Jim Dunn has been named NICB’s
Investigator of the Year 2012 for the bureau’s Area 7
which includes New York, New Jersey, Connecticut
and sections of Massachusetts. Dunn’s SIU colleague
at Lancer, Irene DeSimone-Ford, was awarded
NICB’s 2012 Certificate of Recognition.
Both who are in the frontlines of the Long Islandbased commercial auto insurer’s efforts to combat
insurance fraud, received awards at NICB’s Training
Seminar and Luncheon.
Lancer is rated “Excellent” by the A.M. Best
Company and was awarded the Ward’s Top 50 Award
for property/casualty insurance companies in both
2011 and 2012.
TM
Altro Transflor
High Performance Flooring for
Transportation Applications
r4UBJO3FTJTUBOU
r8BUFSQSPPG#BSSJFS
r4MJQ3FTJTUBOU
r-POH8BSSBOUZ
r&YUSFNF%VSBCJMJUZ
r3FEVDFE8FJHIU
TriMark͛s Global Manufacturing and Engineering
Services offer expertise, ideas, and resources for
your product development projects saving your
company time and money.
TriMark is an exclusive distributor for
Prima Industries Handles and Locking
Devices for North America
TM
Altro Transflor
800.382.0333
800.565.4658
USA
CAN
&JOGP!BMUSPUSBOTŰPSDPN
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #848
Page 44
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
TriMark Corporation
500 Bailey Avenue
New Hampton, IA 50659
800-447-0343 ~ Fax: 641-394-2392
www.trimarkcorp.com
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 45
news from temsA
Ready Bus Line
Ready Bus Line, Inc., recently added a new Temsa TS-35
coach to its fleet. Ready Bus
Line has over 50 years of experience in transportation and
coordinating group charters and
shuttles.
Tom Ready said: “We purchased a new Temsa this fall
from CH Bus Sales, Inc. Our first trip with the Temsa was a New England tour.
The group enjoyed the shorter bus because of the flexibility of getting around
Manhattan so easily. It handled well, and had plenty of luggage space for the
group. Our mechanical staff spent lots of time inspecting the coach before the purchase decision was made.”
The TS35 is a 35 foot stainless steel integral designed coach designed to provide excellent durability and safety, according to the company.
Southern Coaches
Southern Coaches, Inc., is a privately held corporation in its 24th year of operating. The company started with two coaches and has continued to grow to now a
fleet of 23 coaches. The late G. Milton Adams and two sons, John and George,
started the business in 1989.
Southern Coaches recently
took delivery of two Temsa
TS35 coaches. These coaches
seat 36 passengers with threepoint seat belts and sound and
video systems, 110 volt plug
outlets and WiFi capability.
Visit www.chbussales.com
Shown, left to right, are John Adams, vice president
or www.temsaglobal.com for
of Southern Coaches, Inc., and Tim Guldin, vice
more information.
president, sales and service, of CH Bus Sales, Inc.
ABC Donates M1235 Mid-sized Motorcoach
To ABA Foundation Live Auction
ABC Companies donated a 2013 M1235 mid-sized motorcoach to the
American Bus Association Foundation Live Auction, which was held Sunday,
January 6, 2013, at ABA Marketplace in Charlotte, NC.
Donations to the Foundation Live Auction, such as the new M1235 from
ABC Companies, help support ABA Scholarships, Industry Research, and
Educational Programs. The ABA Foundation has awarded nearly 200 scholarships worth over $600,000 to industry families. The ABA research program has invested nearly $400,000 to show the societal impact of motorcoach travel and tourism and provides the information to change minds and
win allies in legislatures across the country.
For more information, contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2875 or visit
www.abc-companies.com.
Relational Bus Systems, Inc.
To Celebrate 20th Anniversary
At UMA Booth
Company spokespeople say it has been 20 years since RBS offered the
GoChart charter management and GoTour tour management software to the
industry, and RBS now serves almost 500 customers in North America.
RBS will be participating in its 20th UMA conference in Orlando, FL, this year.
Principals Walter Buist, Bob Schecter and Jonathan Mead will attend to provide
GoChart demonstrations.
Laura Horvath, the RBS GoTour specialist, will also attend to provide GoTour
demonstrations. Attendees are invited to visit booth #421 to help RBS celebrate.
Call today at 800-448-7001 or visit www.rbs2000.com to request an evaluation
copy of GoChart or request access to the GoTour demo site.
I N T E L L I G E N T T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
We Are Making Room For New Inventory Great Prices... Great Values… Call Today!
High-End Luxury Pre-Owned Vehicles
5
14
AVAI
LABL
E!
AVAIL
ABLE
!
2007/2008 KK33
Ford Krystal Koach
F-550, 31 Pass
Total Options Value:
$32,820.00
2005 Setra 417, 52 Pass
Call For Special Pricing!
20
2007/2008 Krystal
KK38 3200, 37 Pass
AVAI
LA
BLE!
Total Options Value:
$39,775.00
Pier 27, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA | (415) 595-8164
www.coachsales.com | [email protected]
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #943
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 45
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 46
BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE
Prevost
Prevost
Prevost X3-45
Prevost H3-45
With its striking new appearance, the redesigned H-Series illustrates
Prevost’s passion for continuous improvement. Prevost AWARE
Adaptive Cruise Braking, the Prevost Electronic Stability Program, and
the Prevost Welded Rail System take safety to a new level.
The Volvo D13 engine is the only EPA 2010 engine that uses an existing platform, so it is the only engine platform that has been tested with
years of real-world road conditions. Volvo’s D13 engine has smooth,
quiet operation and drastically lowers emission of air pollutants. The
Volvo D13 with advanced SCR exceeds EPA emissions standards to
bypass the industry in terms of environmental care.
Using its multiplexed architecture, Prevost moved controls for key
functions from the dashboard to the steering wheel, helping to
increase safety for all on board. Prevost’s new Cluster showcases an
insightful Driver Information Display (DID), providing significant advantages to drivers and operators. Important information is easily communicated, offering several valuable tools such as fuel data management,
data logging and clear text display messages.
Visually, the H-Series grabs public attention and embodies the
Prevost brand and its unique DNA in a highly recognizable and memorable way. Its elegance and prestige confirm a company’s status and
reputation.
Model............................................................................................Prevost H3-45
Seating Capacity.............................................................................................56
Length ...............................................................................................................45’
Width ...............................................................................................................102”
Height........................................................................................................146.25”
Wheelbase .................................................................................................316.12”
Overhang (front/rear) ......................................................................75” - 107”
Inside Height (min./max.)..........................................Floor to Ceiling - 77”
Turning Radius ............................................................................................44.6’
Tire Size..........................................................................................315/80 R22.5
Engine .........................................Volvo D13 w/SCR, 435 HP, 13L (EPA 2010)
Transmission ..................Allison World, 4th Gen., 6-Speed Auto. Trans.;
Volvo I-Shift, 12-Speed Semi-automatic
Brakes..........................................................All-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS
Fuel Tank Capacity.......................................................................230 U.S. gal.
Air Conditioning .........Carrier 05G compressor w/Base Engine 9 Tons
Baggage Capacity............................................................................580 cu. ft.
Wheelchair Lift Option...............................Interchangeable Swap & Plug
Steering ........................................Steering Wheel w/Integrated Controls,
Tilt & Telescopic, and Integral Power Steering,
Variable Assistance Power Steering
Suspension ..........Wide-Stance Tuned Suspension w/Liftable Tag Axle
Page 46
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
The X3-45 carries on the Prevost tradition of innovation, showcasing advanced technologies. The Prevost Welded Rail System and Prevost
Electronic Stability Program take safety to a new level.
The Volvo D13 engine is the only EPA 2010 engine that uses an existing platform. Volvo’s D13 engine has smooth, quiet operation and drastically lowers emission of air pollutants. The Volvo D13 with advanced
SCR exceeds EPA emissions standards.
The Prevost X3-45 has the longest wheelbase in the touring coach
market (334.5 in.), giving passengers a smooth ride, and features the
largest under-floor surface area (139 sq. ft.) in the industry. At 134 inches, the Prevost X3-45 has the lowest overall height of all seated coaches, providing easy access to virtually any pick-up or drop-off site.
Equipped with the Prevost Advanced Multiplex System, the Prevost
X3-45 delivers dependability and maximizes operational efficiency. The
user-friendly system features a multitude of benefits, including easier
maintenance, faster troubleshooting and quick and accurate diagnosis
of problems with vital components.
Prevost
35 Gagnon Blvd., Ste-Claire, Quebec GOR 2VO CANADA
Tel: 418-883-3391 Toll-Free: 877-773-8678
Fax: 418-883-4157 Web Site: www.prevostcar.com
Model............................................................................................Prevost X3-45
Seating Capacity .............................................................................................55
Length ...............................................................................................................45’
Width ...............................................................................................................102”
Height..............................................................................................................134”
Wheelbase .................................................................................................334.5”
Overhang (front/rear) ...........................................................72.30” - 86.60”
Inside Height (min./max.) .........................................Floor to Ceiling - 80”
Turning Radius ............................................................................................42.6’
Tire Size..........................................................................................315/80 R22.5
Engine .........................................Volvo D13 w/SCR, 435 HP, 13L (EPA 2010)
Transmission ..................Allison World, 4th Gen., 6-Speed Auto. Trans.;
Volvo I-Shift, 12-Speed Semi-automatic
Brakes..........................................................All-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS
Fuel Tank Capacity.......................................................................208 U.S. gal.
Air Conditioning .........Carrier 05G compressor w/Base Engine 9 Tons
Baggage Capacity .............................................................................513 cu. ft.
Wheelchair Lift Option...............................Interchangeable Swap & Plug
Steering ........................................Steering Wheel w/Integrated Controls,
Tilt & Telescopic, and Integral Power Steering,
Variable Assistance Power Steering Available
Suspension ..........Wide-Stance Tuned Suspension w/Liftable Tag Axle
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 47
BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE
Prevost
Prevost
Volvo 9700
Prevost X3-45 Commuter Coach
The Volvo 9700 is a coach that makes an impression. A modern exterior with characteristic Volvo feel is matched by an elegant interior featuring soft, gentle shapes and well-designed trim.
Exceptional comfort abounds throughout the Volvo 9700.
Electronically controlled air suspension and a rigid frame design make
for a confident, reassuring ride. A low interior noise level and comfortable seats also ensure an enjoyable journey, and large tinted windows
provide excellent visibility all around.
High-efficiency brakes, electronic stability program, three-point
seat belts and Volvo-unique impact protection for the driver and the
other road users are just some examples of its safety equipment. With
all its service points grouped together logically, the Volvo 9700 is easy
to maintain. Highly integrated components – like the D13 engine and IShift Transmission – simplify service scheduling and make for convenient “one-stop shopping” when vehicles require maintenance.
The I-Shift is an intelligent transmission system that combines the
robustness and dependability of a manual gearbox with the comfort
and convenience of an automatic transmission. Its latest generation
ensures substantially improved performance and fuel economy.
Productivity, efficient design and safety define the Volvo 9700.
The X3-45 Commuter Coach is designed from the Prevost platform
known for durability, reliability, and lifetime value. The X3-45 coaches are
constructed to be used in a demanding commuter application which
requires reliable vehicle performance, and the coach has been 12-year
Structural Integrity Tested. Developed with a focus on transit operation concerns such as passenger safety, accessibility, low operation costs and ease
of maintenance, the X3-45 Commuter features a very reliable structure.
The Prevost Electronic Stability Program is the first system with
rollover and under/over-steer protection and electronically compensates for quick reactions in adverse conditions, according to Prevost.
The Prevost X3-45 includes three-point seat belts on a 20G rated welded rail system for an exceptionally secure passenger environment.
Passengers of the X3-45 Commuter immediately notice the large entry
area through the bi-part doors with the lowest steps and shortest stairway, making it easier on mobility challenged passengers. Another feature noticed by passengers is the high interior space – a full 80-inches
of space from floor to ceiling. Additionally, the commuter can be outfitted with a Wi-Fi system, state-of-the-art sound and video, and electrical
outlets at each seat to keep passengers plugged in and in touch while
commuting.
Model .................................................................................................Volvo 9700
Seating Capacity.............................................................................................54
Length ...............................................................................................................45’
Width ...............................................................................................................102”
Height..............................................................................................................145”
Wheelbase ......................................Between front and tag axle - 254.84”
Overhang (front/rear) .....................................................................112” - 109”
Inside Height (min./max.) .................................Front - 77.2”; Rear - 72.8”
Turning Radius..........................................................................................42.83’
Tire Size..........................................................................................315/80 R22.5
Engine .........................................Volvo D13 w/SCR (EPA 2010), 435 HP, 13L
Transmission ..............................Volvo I-Shift, 12-Speed Semi-automatic
Brakes...............................All-Wheel Disc Brakes w/ABS double circuitry
Fuel Tank Capacity........................................................................210 U.S. gal.
Air Conditioning .........................................................Carrier - AC353 GenIV
Baggage Capacity................................400 cu. ft. (under-floor capacity)
Wheelchair Lift Option .........................................................................Built in
Steering .....................Tilt and Telescopic, and Integral Power Steering
Suspension ..........Wide-Stance Tuned Suspension w/Liftable Tag Axle
Model .........................................................Prevost X3-45 Commuter Coach
Seating Capacity .............................................................................................57
Length ...............................................................................................................45’
Width ...............................................................................................................102”
Height..............................................................................................................134”
Wheelbase .................................................................................................334.5”
Overhang (front/rear) .............................................................72.30”; 86.60”
Inside Height (min./max.) .........................................Floor to ceiling - 80”
Turning Radius ............................................................................................42.6’
Tire Size..........................................................................................315/80 R22.5
Engine .........................................Volvo D13 w/SCR, 435 HP, 13L (EPA 2010)
Transmission ....................Allison World, 4th gen., 6-speed auto. trans.
Brakes...........................................................................All-Wheel disc. w/ ABS
Fuel Tank Capacity.......................................................................208 U.S. gal.
Air Conditioning..........Carrier 05G compressor w/base engine 9 tons
Baggage Capacity .............................................................................513 cu. ft.
Wheelchair Lift Option...............................Interchangeable swap & plug
Steering.........................................Steering wheel w/integrated controls,
Tilt & telescopic, and integral power steering,
(Variable Assistance Power Steering Available)
Suspension.................................................Wide-stance tuned suspension
w/liftable tag axle
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 47
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 48
BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE
Motor Coach Industries
Motor Coach Industries
MCI D4505 / D4005
MCI J4500
Redesigned for 2013, the industry’s best-selling MCI J4500 coach has
heightened curb appeal and a more elevated presence, along with workhorse reliability and a modern look to fit perfectly with existing J4500
fleets. New LED headlamps are brighter, durable and easy to service. A
new smooth rear cap also modernizes the back of the coach and provides
more space for brand messaging.
Wide-ride suspension, electronic stability control, a SmartWave tirepressure monitoring system and a fire suppression system are standard.
Options include a steerable tag axle for a tighter turning radius, threepoint seatbelts, as well as 110 volt power outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity. The
model delivers improved fuel economy through powertrain optimization.
Part of the industry’s all-time best-selling series of coaches, the 45foot MCI D4505 and 40-foot D4005 are renowned for their durability,
dependability and curb appeal, and ride on front-axle Koni shocks for a
smoother, more responsive ride. The models feature an ACTIA multiplex
system, a fourth-generation technology with more capabilities to maximize a coach’s performance, and an ergonomic driver dash for easy interfacing. Safety features include electronic stability control, a tire monitoring system and a fire suppression system.
Motor Coach Industries; 1700 E. Golf Road, Suite 300,
Schaumburg, IL 60173; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626;
Fax: 847-285-2013 Email: [email protected];
Web site: www.mcicoach.com
Motor Coach Industries; 1700 E. Golf Road, Suite 300,
Schaumburg, IL 60173; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626;
Fax: 847-285-2013 Email: [email protected];
Web site: www.mcicoach.com
Model ..................................................................................................MCI J4500
Seating Capacity.............................................................................................56
Length .........................................................................................................45.58’
Height ........................................................................................................140.74”
Headroom ..................................................................................................78.25”
Turning Radius................................................................................................47’
Wheelbase......................................................................................................315”
Floor - Low or standard ...................................................................Standard
Engine Options ....................................Cummins ISX, Detroit Diesel DD 13
Transmission ...................................................Allison B500 or, ZF Astronic
Chassis .............................................................................................Monocoque
Fuel Tank Capacity ................................................................................183 gal.
Fuel Options ................................................................................................ULSD
Brakes..............................................................Meritor all-wheel EX-225 disc
GVWR ..................................................................................................54,000 lbs.
Page 48
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
Model...............................................................................................MCI D-Series
Seating Capacity ......................................................................................55; 47
Length.......................................................................................................45’; 40’
Height..............................................................................................................137”
Headroom. .................................................................................................78.25”
Turning Radius ..................................................................................47’; 44.70’
Wheelbase (s).....................................................................................318”; 279”
Floor - Low or Standard...................................................................Standard
Engine ....................................................................................Cummins ISL, ISX
Transmission.................................................................................Allison B500
Chassis .............................................................................................Monocoque
Fuel Tank Capacity................................................................................164 gal.
Fuel Options ................................................................................................ULSD
Brakes.............................Air or Hydraulic: Meritor all-wheel EX-225 disc
GVWR...........................................................................50,000 lbs.; 46,000 lbs.
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 49
BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE
Setra
Motor Coach Industries
MCI Commuter Coach
The route to reliable commuting starts with the MCI Commuter Coach.
MCI’s Buy America-compliant and Altoona-tested Commuter Coach is
available in clean-diesel, hybrid or CNG configurations. MCI coaches are
engineered to provide a comfortable, safe ride combined with ease of
maintenance and low total cost of operation over many years.
Motor Coach Industries; 1700 E. Golf Road, Suite 300,
Schaumburg, IL 60173; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626;
Fax: 847-285-2013 Email: [email protected];
Web site: www.mcicoach.com
Setra TopClass S 417
The Setra TopClass S 417 sets an exceptionally high standard in motorcoach travel. From the easy entry point, to the visually stunning, comfortable seating with integrated seatbelts, passengers feel pampered and protected. The elegant interior cabin features LED reading lights, aisle lighting, a premium sound and entertainment system, and large panoramic
windows, along with rear window and TopSky glass roof options. The Front
Collision Guard (FCG), cornering lights and rain/light sensors are just a few
of the features contributing to the model’s safety standards. Tuned and
tested IFS suspension system provides a smooth, quiet ride.
Motor Coach Industries; 1700 E. Golf Road, Suite 300,
Schaumburg, IL 60173; 847-285-2000; 800-428-7626;
Fax: 847-285-2013 Email: [email protected];
Web site: www.setra-coaches.com
Model ..............................................MCI® Commuter Coach D4500/D4000
Available in CNG, Hybrid & Clean-Diesel
Seating Capacity........................................57 Passengers; 49 Passengers
Length.......................................................................................................45’; 40’
Height..............................................................................................................137”
Interior Height..........................................................................................78.25”
Headroom ..................................................................................................78.25”
Turning Radius ..................................................................................47’; 44.70’
Wheelbase...........................................................................................318”; 279”
Engine Options....................................................Cummins ISL, ISX or ISL G
Transmission ...........................Allison B500, Allison EP 50, Hybrid drive
Chassis .............................................................................................Monocoque
Fuel Tank Capacity .................................................164 gal. CNG 114.6 (DGE)
Diesel Gallon Equivalent
Fuel Options..........................................................Clean-diesel, hybrid, CNG
Brakes...........................................Air, disc with unitized hubs and preset
GVWR...........................................................................50,000 lbs.; 46,000 lbs.
Model ...........................................................................................TopClass S 417
Seating Capacity.............................................................................................56
Length ...............................................................................................................45’
Height.................................................................................................................12’
Headroom .......................................................................................................6.6’
Turning Radius ..........................................................................................481.7”
Wheelbase.....................................................................................................280”
Floor - Low or Standard...................................................................Standard
Engine .............................................Mercedes-Benz OM 471 EPA 10 450 hp
Transmission..............................Allison B 500R or, ZF Astronic 12-speed
Chassis .............................................................................Monocoque Integral
Fuel Tank Capacity................................................................................180 gal.
Fuel Options................................................................Ultra low sulfur diesel
Brakes - Air or Hydraulic.................................................Knorr disc brakes
GVWR...................................................................................................50,534 lbs.
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 49
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 50
BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE
ABC Companies
ABC Companies
Van Hool T2140 / T2145
Model C2045
Renown for its performance, comfort, and luxury, the Van Hool T2100
offers more refinements to create a prestigious touring vehicle. Designed
for high style and maximum comfort, an impressive lineup of standard
features are offered aboard ABC’s highline touring coach – to attract the
most discriminating passengers to a motorcoach business.
Loaded with proven components, amenities and advanced features,
this touring coach offers a host of options for operators throughout North
America – like end-to-end glass top roofs, wood-grain vinyl flooring, blue
LED accent lighting and reclining Van Hool Bodyline seats with leather
headrest and 3-point seat belts.
The T2100 series is also enhanced with a variety of optional safety features including daytime running lights, Hella DynaView® Head Light
System, Smartire SmartWave Tire Monitoring System, Saucon TDS, and
Kidde Fire Suppression System.
The T2100 series is offered in a 45-foot length, 57-passenger coach or
a 40-foot length, 49-passenger coach – ideal for smaller groups. The T2140
model is the only European premium 40-foot touring coach sold in the
United States and complements the T2145 model.
Smart operators can drive new revenues to their bottom line with the
versatile, reliable, distinctively designed Van Hool C2045. A leader in its
category, this coach offers rugged reliability for shuttle and line hauls, as
well as passenger amenities that deliver a luxury motorcoach experience
for tour and charter operations.
With fresh, new styling and features, operators can expect to add more
durability, functionality and flair to their fleets with this multi-tasker. The
latest updates include a redesigned staircase entry, taller baggage door
rub rails, new look Euro-style Van Hool emblem, retooled engine door
vents to increase compartment ventilation, “bright white” base color
paint to enhance a company’s graphics, a one-piece integrated front
bumper and more.
Designed for comfort and performance, the quality-engineered C2045
offers easy maintenance and interchangeability of major replacement
parts and a host of optional safety enhancements including daytime running lights, Hella DynaView® Head Light System, Smartire SmartWave Tire
Monitoring System, Saucon TDS, and Kidde Fire Suppression System.
ABC Companies; 1506 30th Street, NW; Faribault, MN
55021 USA; 507-334-1871 Fax: 507-334-0246
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.abc-companies.com
ABC Companies; 1506 30th Street, NW; Faribault, MN
55021 USA; 507-334-1871 Fax: 507-334-0246
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.abc-companies.com
Model .........................................................................................Van Hool T2100
Seating Capacity .................................................................40’ - 49 ; 45’ - 57
Length.......................................................................................................40’; 45’
Width ...............................................................................................................102”
Height .......................................................................................................11’ 10.5”
Inside Height (min./max.) ...........................................................................77”
Engine......................................................Cummins ISX 11.9 EPA 2010 w/DEF
Transmission...................................................................GEN IV Allison B500
Chassis .......................................................................................Stainless Steel
Air Conditioning...........................Eberspacher integrated HVAC system
Wheelchair Lift Option...............................................Ricon (Baylift) series
Steering .................................................................................ZF Variable Ratio
Suspension .............................................................Independent front & tag
Model ........................................................................................Van Hool C2045
Seating Capacity .............................................................................................57
Length ...............................................................................................................45’
Width ...............................................................................................................102”
Height .............................................................................................................11’6”
Inside Height (min./max.) ......................................................................75.75”
Engine ..............................................................Detroit DD13 EPA 2010 W/DEF
Transmission...................................................................GEN IV Allison B500
Chassis .......................................................................................Stainless Steel
Air Conditioning...........................Eberspacher integrated HVAC system
Wheelchair Lift Option...............................................Ricon (Baylift) series
Suspension .............................................................Independent front & tag
Steering .................................................................................ZF Variable Ratio
Page 50
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 51
BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE
ABC Companies
Home of the Best Full-Service
Travel Plaza in Northern Illinois
Featuring…
Van Hool TD925
The highline Van Hool TD925 double deck coach makes a bold statement in any marketplace. With passenger seating up to 83, this coach is
an industry frontrunner in reduced carbon emissions and fuel consumption – providing an additional 43 percent passenger capacity and up to
486 passenger miles per gallon.
Featuring an upper deck sky view rooftop, centrally located restroom,
ample storage, front and rear stairs, dual-deck entertainment system and
more, the TD925 offers one of the most innovative coach designs offered
to the U.S. traveling public since the Scenicruiser®.
The generously proportioned steps and wide doorways provide easy
access and easy loading and unloading from both the front and the rear
staircases. The lowered aisle and increased interior height enables every
passenger to walk upright through the coach. Three point seat belts are
standard on all seats. Individual lighting and ventilation, together with
state-of-the-art, integrated heating and air conditioning systems with
upper and lower controls at each level, provide a comfortable environment for all the passengers.
ABC Companies; 1506 30th Street, NW; Faribault, MN
55021 USA; 507-334-1871 Fax: 507-334-0246
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.abc-companies.com
Model.........................................................................................Van Hool TD925
Seating Capacity ..................................................................................81 or 83
Length................................................................................................44’ 4 9/32”
Width ...............................................................................................................102”
Height ....................................................................................................13’ 1 1/16”
Inside Height (min./max.) ...............Lower deck - 71”, Upper deck - 67”
Engine ....................................................Cummins ISX 11.9L 2010 Emissions
Transmission ................................................................GEN IV Allison B500R
Chassis .......................................................................................Stainless Steel
Air Conditioning...........................Eberspacher integrated HVAC system
Wheelchair Lift Option ...................................................................ADA Ramp
Steering .................................................................................ZF Variable Ratio
Suspension .............................................................Independent front & tag
Seating for 175, Homestyle Cooking, Daily Specials,
Buffet, Soup & Salad Bar, Full Menu, Carry-Out
(815) 562-5840
Seating for 40, Specialty Sandwiches,
Homemade Soup, Fresh Salads & Sides,
Blue Bunny Ice Cream!
(815) 561-9595
Designated Bus Parking and
Pull-Thru Fueling Island
Bus Drivers & Tour
Guides Eat free!
Mini-Mall — 2 Stores
with over 5,000 sq. ft. of shopping!
ATM, Major Credit Cards accepted.
I-39 & Hwy 38, Exit 99
Rochelle, IL
OPEN 24 HOURS
Please call ahead!
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 51
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 52
BUSLINE VEHICLE SHOWCASE
Temsa
Temsa
Temsa TS30
Temsa TS35
The world class Temsa TS30 coach is manufactured in Turkey and was
introduced to the U.S. market by CH Bus Sales in 2012. The TS30 is a fully
integral designed mid-size coach that provides the same level of comfort
and amenities as a full size coach.
The TS30 has independent front suspension and automatic transmission, contributing to a smooth, comfortable drive. With an American driveline (Cummins/Allison), the TS30 provides excellent power and optimum
serviceability. These are combined with superb European quality and
craftsmanship to create a high quality driving experience. It is stringently tested to ensure the highest standards.
Despite its compact dimensions, the TS30 has a tough, integral stainless steel chassis for extra durability and safety. The luxury interior integrates a high quality heating and air conditioning system, abundant luggage space, a restroom and reclining seats.
The TS30 is appropriate for smaller groups and is more economical to
purchase and operate than a larger coach, according to the company. It is
fuel efficient and kind to the environment as well as an operator’s
finances
The world class Temsa TS35 coach is manufactured in Turkey and was
introduced to the U.S. market by CH Bus Sales in 2009. The TS35 is a fully
integral designed mid-size coach that provides the same level of comfort
and amenities as a full size coach. This mid-size coach offers a luxurious
and spacious interior for passengers and driver.
With an American driveline (Cummins/Allison), the TS35 provides excellent power and optimum serviceability. These are combined with superb
European quality and craftsmanship to create a high quality driving experience.
The TS35 is constructed from stainless steel for extra durability and
safety. It is stringently tested to ensure the highest standards. The TS35 is
appropriate for smaller groups, more economical to purchase and operate
than a larger coach, but with the same high-end features, according to the
company.
CH Bus Sales, Inc.
1941 Cardinal Lane, Suite C, Faribault, MN 55021 USA
Phone: 507-331-7911; Fax: 507-331-1338
Web: www.chbussales.com
CH Bus Sales, Inc.
1941 Cardinal Lane, Suite C, Faribault, MN 55021 USA
Phone: 507-331-7911; Fax: 507-331-1338
Web: www.chbussales.com
Model................................................................................................Temsa TS30
Seating Capacity.........................................30 Passengers with restroom
Length .........................................................................................................30.64’
Width...........................................................................................................94.64”
Height.......................................................10.89’ (including air conditioner)
Engine.............................................................................Cummins ISB 6.7 250
Type of Fuel ...............................................................................................Diesel
Chassis ......................................Frameless monocoque in stainless steel
Air Conditioning ...........................Full auto HVAC system/roof type unit
(27 KW cooling, 39 KW heating)
Wheelchair Lift Option..................................................................................No
Steering .............................................................................................................ZF
Suspension..............Independent front suspension w/shock absorber
Page 52
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
Model ................................................................................................Temsa TS35
Seating Capacity.........................................40 Passengers with restroom
Length ...............................................................................................................35’
Width............................................................................................................100.4”
Height ..........................................................................................................138.6”
Engine .........................................................Cummins ISL 8.9 345 HP—EPA10
Type of Fuel ...............................................................................................Diesel
Chassis ......................................Frameless monocoque in stainless steel
Air Conditioning..................................Full automatic convector system/
Roof type air conditioning unit 32 KW/Carrier 05G
Wheelchair Lift Option.................................................................................Yes
Steering...........................................................................................TRW THP-80
Suspension .................................................Independent front suspension
w/adjustable shock absorber
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 53
If you like UMA Motorcoach EXPO,
motorcoachex
po.com
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 54
Amaya-Astron Seating
See Ad On Page 19
Pirules 16E, Complejo Industrial Cuamatla
Cuautitlán Izcalli, 54730 MEXICO
+52(55)5881-2007
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.amaya-astron.com.mx
Company Officers: Donovan Albarran, Export Sales
Manager; Rose Arellano, Sales
Products: Passenger seats for buses and coaches, with
or without two or three-point seat belts. The company’s
seat models are: Torino G Plus and A-2TEN, offering
the best technology of three point seat belts in the
North American market plus a well known ergonomic
design, according to the company. Additional knee
room is provided in all Amaya-Astron seats. 13
American Seating
See Ad On Page 15
401 American Seating Center
Grand Rapids, MI 49504 USA
616-732-6600 FAX: 616-732-6491
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.americanseating.com
Company Officers: Ed Clark, Chairman and CEO;
Tom Bush - President and COO; Dave McLaughlin,
Vice President of Sales; Deb McDermott - Vice
Preident of Marketing and Business Development
Products: Established since 1886, American Seating
has has taken pride in its product design, durability, and
comfort. The company is a manufacturer of seating for
city service, rail, motorcoach and ADA products.
13
Think
302 Protects
Protects
Think FMVSS
FMVSS 302
Passengers
and Equipment?
Equipment?
Passengers and
F.R. Cushioning
(meets FMVSS 302)
CR SAFGUARD™ XL
Fire-Resistant Cushioning
Both seats above were subjected to BS 5852 Source 2 Ignition.
SAFGUARD™ XL Fire-Resistant Cushioning…
• Complies with advanced F.T.A. fire safety criteria.
• Minimize risk and liability related to vehicle
fire safety.
• O.E.M. and maintenance seat retrofit applications.
Call for specifications. Easily added to seating
requirements within vehicle bid packages.
Page 54
BUSLINE
Telephone: 800-234-2734
Fax: 724-537-9003
e-mail: [email protected]
January/February 2013
Bergen Auto Upholstery Co., Inc.
See Ad On Page 55
375 North Street, Suite U
Teterboro, NJ 07608 USA
201-457-9100 FAX: 201-457-9103
Website: www.bergenseat.com
Products: Seat replacement and complete interior
refurbishing, including seat covers, ceilings, sidewalls,
lav area, under racks, dash and entrance area. Bergen
offers a complete cleaning service, seat cover shampooing, seat frame cleaning, cleaning of sidewalls and
A/C ducts, and shampooing of any carpeted surface.
Bergen road crew is available to install on location. 08
Chestnut Ridge Foam, Inc.
See Ad On Page 54
P.O. Box 781, Latrobe, PA 15650 USA
800-234-2734 FAX: 724-537-9003
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.chestnutridgefoam.com
Company Officers: Larry Garrity, President; Carl
Ogburn, Vice President; George Romainish, Vice
President, OPS; Mike Shannon; Sales Manager
Products: SAFGUARD XL fire-resistant seat cushioning complies with F.T.A. fire safety criteria. SAFGUARD XL eliminates the profuse burning and
known fire hazards associated with FMVSS 302 cushioning if exposed to open flame ignition sources,
according to the company. It also provides the fire
performance needed in today’s environment, while
helping to avoid the potential for individual and transit authority liability. Available to all seating manufacturers for O.E.M. vehicles and direct to maintenance
facilities as replacement cushions. SAFGUARD XL
represents major advancements in seat cushioning
durability and comfort.
A DVD is available showing comparative fire performance tests of bus seats. This DVD can help as an
educational tool to depict how fire may impact bus
vehicle interiors when seats are exposed to a minor
flaming ignition source. Contact Chestnut Ridge
Foam for a free copy of this fire testing. CR SAFGUARD XL products can easily be added to new
vehicle seating specifications. Contact Chestnut
Ridge Foam for vehicle specification verbiage. 13
Fabric Services
103 Hinsdale Farms Road, Bristol, IN 46507 USA
574-848-5100 FAX: 574-848-1776
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.fabserv.com
Company Officers: John Wuori, CEO; Don Wade,
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 55
Busline advert 2012_Layout 1 14/12/2012 15:29 Page 1
Vice President Design and Development;
Dave Gordon, Senior Account Manager,
Transportation Division
Products: Fabric Services is a provider of
many fabrics, leather, coated fabrics and
flat-woven textiles for shuttle bus and
motorcoach seating as well as interior trim
applications. Other value-added services
include custom cutting and lamination. 13
Freedman Seating Company
4545 W. Augusta Blvd., Chicago, IL
60651 USA
773-524-2440 FAX: 773-252-7450
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.freedmanseating.com
Products: Freedman Seating is a seat producer for all types of buses. It designs,
tests and builds seats for every type of bus,
coach, van and school bus. Freedman
offers integrated 3-point seat belts for
buses and coaches.
The company offers the “GO” seat, a
thinner, customizable, modular seat; and
Sanitized® anti-microbial Grab Rails, a
first to the transit industry, according to the
company. Freedman Seating is also a partner with USSC/4One as a supplier of seats
to the heavy-duty bus and BRT market.
Within Freedman is the FSTL testing
facility. FSTL is an A2LA accredited lab,
capable of in-vehicle testing and safety
evalutaions. 12
Holdsworth North America
See Ad On Page 55
2840 Fortune Circle East,
Indianapolis, IN 46241 USA
317-484-0305 FAX: 317-484-0706
E-Mail:
[email protected]
Website: www.holdsworthfabrics.com
Products: The transportation fabric specialist Holdsworth is launching the
Elements Collection, which comprises
125 different design and color permutations. The Elements Collection is a new
generation of designs in five color themes
– grays, blues, reds, greens and browns –
with tonal shades and modern bright highlights. Inspiration for the designs is taken
from a multitude of current trend areas
which encompass architectural details,
mathematical and geometric patterns, as
well as natural and organic influences.
The new collection coordinates with other
Holdsworth trim and ancillary fabrics for
complementary textile finishes on wallsides, curtaining and headrests to create
versatile interior schemes on vehicle
fleets. The Elements Collection is available to order with a 55 yard minimum and
4 week leadtime.
Holdsworth is part of the Camira Group
whose North American headquarters is in
Indianapolis, IN. Customers in the eastern
half of the United States are serviced by
New Vigor Elements
The new wool rich
moquette fabric.
If Your Seats Are Not Becoming To You,
They Should Be Coming To
BERGEN AUTO UPHOLSTERY
View fabrics and order samples
on our new website at:
‡ Quality
Workmanship
‡ Large Selection
of Fabric
‡ On Time
Delivery
www.holdsworthfabrics.com
‡ A Guaranteed Fit ‡ Unsurpassed Customer Service
0UZ[HSSH[PVUZ°HrL°H[°V\Y°MHJPSP[`°PU°TeterborV°51°VY°
BerNLUZ°9VHK°*rL^°^PSS°PUZ[HSS°H[°`V\Y°SVJH[PVU
Call, fax or e-mail us today for a quick quote, and see for yourself
why Bergen Auto Upholstery is your seating headquarters.
Bergen Auto Upholstery Co., Inc.
375 North Street, Suite U, Teterboro, NJ 07608
Toll Free: 800-732-8750 Phone: (201) 457-9100
Fax: (201)457-9103
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.bergenseat.com
www.holdsworthfabrics.com
T: 317 484 0305 F: 317 484 0706
Booth: 437, Orlando, FL
January 20 - 24
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #707
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 55
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 56
Wagner & Associates (phone: 919-552-4466); and in
the western part by BusTex Corp (phone: 303-4040890). 13
LaFrance Industries
3536 Raymar Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45208 USA
513-871-5954
Website: www.mvmills.com/lafranceindustries
Products: LaFrance fabrics are styled with patterns. It
offers eco friendly fabrics produced with recycled yarn.
The yarn is produced utilizing post-consumer waste and
post-manufacturing waste. The Eco fabrics are abrasive
resistant and colorfast. All of LaFrance fabrics are available witt features including water repellency, oil and
stain resistance, and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characteristics. All LaFrance fabrics are made in the USA
and are readily available. 10
Lantal Textiles, Inc.
P.O. Box 965, Rural Hall, NC 27045 USA
905-823-9427
Website: www.lantal.com
Products: Lantal Textiles is a Swiss company specializing in the weaving of high-quality, welldesigned velvet pile fabrics for the bus industry.
Though Lantal has been in business in Europe for
over 67 years, the company first introduced these velvet pile fabrics to North America in 1997. As in
Europe, Lantal is a leader in design in North America.
Lantal is a major supplier of upholstery and companion fabrics to bus and seating manufacturers. 11
North American Fabrics Inc, aka NAFI
1155 Cleveland Ave., Reading, PA 19610 USA
610-374-3108 FAX: 610-374-3383
Products: Sales representatives for Botany Weaving of
Dublin, Ireland, manufacturers of woven wool blend
upholstery fabrics for the transportation industry since
1934. Botany Weaving produces two types of fabric:
wool plush moquettes and flat woven fabric in a variety of colors and designs.
Also sales representive for Altro Transflor since 1997.
Altro is the manufacturer of slip resistant floor coverings used in buses and trains. Altro has been producing
floor coverings for over 90 years and offers a wide
variety of colors and designs. 12
Recaro North America
3275 Lapeer Road West
Auburn Hills, MI 48326 USA
248-364-3818 FAX: 248-364-3806
Website: www.recaro.com
Products: Recaro is a manufacturer of driver seats for
the transportation industry. Recaro produces a full range
of driver seating products that will fit most applications.
Built in the USA for North American drivers. 07
Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery
See Ad On Page 31
503 S. Main Avenue, Minneola, FL 34715 USA
800-654-3824 FAX: 352-242-9290
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sardobus.com
Company Officers: Lou Sardo, President; Sandy
Follis, VP Sales; Kathy Cruse, National Sales Manager
Products: Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery’s quality
craftsmanship and customer service have made it an
industry leader in motorcoach and transit refurbishment, according to the company. Sardo’s Professional
Mobile Road Crew is a trendsetter, providing experienced, on-site installation service at a customer’s facilities. This minimizes down time, and gives customers
personal attention to every detail. Sardo also manufactures custom fit seat covers for mail out service with
instructions and seat cover liners for easy installation.
With seat covers, sidewalls, flooring and more, Sardo
helps with all interior objectives.
Sardo offers a warranty that guarantees its workmanship for as long as a customer owns its coach. Visit
Sardo’s website for more information and to view current fabric specials. 13
Willingham Inc.
See Ad On Page 17
20008 244th Ave. S.E., Maple Valley, WA 98038 USA
425-432-9867 FAX: 425-432-3668
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.willinghaminc.com
Company Officers: Jason Willingham, President;
Gene Willingham, CEO; Vivian Willingham,
Secretary/Treasurer
Products: Seatcovers, complete interiors, floors, step
tread kits, parcel rack door and bay door pistons, foam
rubber replacement kits, net pockets, cup holders, grab
handles and accessories. Seat parts for all models.
12
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #422
Page 56
BUSLINE
January/February 2013
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 57
mCI sAles
novA sAles
MTA New York City Transit
Metropolitan Transit Authority
MTA New York City Transit and
MTA Bus Company have relied on
MCI Commuter Coaches for more than
a decade, operating more than 900
MCI coaches in its fleet of 5,600
buses. Its newest MCI coaches, to be
delivered over the next few months,
feature plushy upholstered forward-facing reclining seats, 29 inches of leg room,
personal reading lights and air flow controls.
The new coaches also come equipped with advanced features such as
Electronic Stability Control and a fourth-generation ACTIA multiplex system.
Delaware Express
Delaware Express recently took
delivery of a new 2013 J4500, wrapping up a four-coach order. MCI says
the restyled coach caught President
Gerry Frenze by surprise.
“We didn’t know that we would be
one of the first getting the 2013,” said
Frenze. “It’s good to be on the cutting edge.”
The newest J4500 has amenities and options including WiFi, satellite television
and 110-volt outlets, plus a wheelchair lift. The newest J4500 has wood-grain
flooring and hydrographics in the interior on the parcel rack doors, driver’s dash
area and front entrance area and door.
The previous three J4500s have come with similar amenities. Those coaches
have galleys instead of the wheelchair lift, along with a 50-seat configuration.
Delaware Express’ newest coaches feature exterior graphics in a blue and green.
With a fleet of 23 coaches and 45 shuttle vehicles, Delaware Express has about
130 employees and facilities that include a maintenance shop and fueling station.
To learn more, visit www.delexpress.com.
Visit www.mcicoach.com for more information.
Nova Bus will deliver 70 articulated buses to the Metropolitan Transit
Authority of Harris County, in Houston, TX, over the next year. The order is valued at approximately $48 million.
According to Nova spokespeople, METRO is the region’s largest public transit system. It operates more than 1,200 buses and 370,000 times a day people use
a METRO service.
The articulated vehicles will be able to carry up to 112 passengers along any
city streets. Nova Bus’ LFS Artic buses are currently in operation in large urban
centers including New York City and Montreal.
The vehicles will come equipped with Nova Bus’ electric engine cooling system. The vehicles will also feature Nova Bus’ latest transit bus interior.
The order will be assembled at Nova Bus’ plant in Plattsburgh, NY. Nova Bus
is part of the Volvo Group, which employs approximately 12,000 workers in the
United States in 7 production facilities.
LYNX
Nova Bus has confirmed a new partnership with LYNX in Central Florida.
Delivery of two articulated hybrid buses is scheduled for 2013. The buses will be
assembled in Nova Bus’ Upstate New York plant.
Nova Bus officials say the company began building hybrid buses in 2006 and
has since delivered vehicles all across North America.
While continuing to optimize its hybrid vehicles, Nova Bus is also conducting
research to develop alternative green solutions such as plug-in hybrids and fullyelectric buses. Visit www.novabus.com for more information.
SAFE, STURDY & DURABLE
Safety Step will meet all your transportation needs…
s Safety Steps full line of transportation steps are designed
specifically for the transportation industry
s Anti-tip design makes it impossible to tip over with normal use
s Transportation models provide a 6”, 8”, 10” or 12” boost
s The 10" and 12" steps have brackets for extra durability
s Rugged all-aluminum welded construction
s All models are lab tested to hold over 1,000 pounds,
but weigh a mere 7 pounds
s Non-slip angled rubber leg tips and gripper strips keep
your passengers and your Safety Step securely in place
s Durable powder coat finish available black, silver
or safety yellow
To view all our transportation
steps or to order online,
visit our website:
www.safetystep.net
or call (888) 448-4237
January/February 2013
BUSLINE
Page 57
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 58
Motorcoach | Charter Buses | School Buses | Limousines | Airport Buses
Transit Buses | Sightseeing Buses | Shuttle Vans | Casino Buses | Line Runs
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 59
s
s
BOWMANSDALE
2112 Bumble Bee Hollow Rd.
Off Rt. 15 • Mechanicsburg, PA
717-697-5383
CAMP HILL
4230 Trindle Road • 717-737-3896
CARLISLE
60 Noble Blvd. in Super Walmart
717-960-9400
608 E. High St. • 717-249-7721
1176 Harrisburg Pike • 717-243-7774
905 Walnut Bottom Rd. • 717-249-0694
CEDAR CLIFF
Exit 19 off I-83 • Camp Hill, PA
717-737-6404
CHAMBERSBURG
1075 Lincoln Way East • 717-263-4601
NORTH CHAMBERSBURG
2891 Philadelphia Avenue (US 11 N.)
717-263-2970
CLEONA
493 W. Penn Avenue • 717-272-5677
COLUMBIA
1788 Columbia Ave., off Rt. 30
717-684-7048
DILLSBURG
898 North US Rt. 15 • 717-432-9500
EAST MANCHESTER
4245 North George St. • 717-266-3170
ELIZABETHTOWN
1284 S. Market St. • 717-367-6471
ENOLA
Enola Rd., Exit Rt. 11
15 S. off Rt. 81 • 717-732-4228
EPHRATA
140 N. Reading Rd.• 717-733-1660
GETTYSBURG
517 S. Steinwehr Ave., Bus. Rt. 15
717-334-5920
1090 York Rd.• 717-337-1030
GREENCASTLE
Rt. 16 and I-81 • 717-597-2589
HALIFAX
3761 Peter's Moutain Rd.• 717-896-2535
HANOVER
991 Carlisle St., Rt. 94 • 717-632-7531
350 Eisenhower Dr.• 717-632-0005
1448 Baltimore St. • 717-630-0337
HARRISBURG
2929 Paxton St. • 717-561-8050
4605 Jonestown Rd.
717-652-7035
7845 Linglestown Rd.
717-545-8580
Rt. 83 and Union Deposit Rd.
717-564-9320
4403 N. Front St. • 717-238-1048
Harrisburg East Mall/Rt. 83 & Paxton St.
717-561-0703
Eisenhower Blvd. I-283, Exit 1
717 -939-6972
5590 Allentown Blvd., Rt. 22
Exit 26 off I-81 • 717-652-9123
Kline Plaza, 101 S. 25th St.
717-232-0008
Uptown Shopping Center
720 Division St. • 717-236-6226
Harrisburg Airport • 717-948-3900
6535 Grayson Rd. in Wal-Mart
717 -561-0445
HERSHEY
Rts. 39 and 322 • 611 E. Main St.,
Hummelstown • 717-566-6041
JONESTOWN
Rt 72 & I-81 • 610-562-8462
LANCASTER
1880 Hempstead Rd. • 717-509-6988
Willow Valley Square • 717-464-5119
1829 Oregon Pike • 717-569-7898
1434 Manheim Pike • 717-394-3417
Rt. 30 and Centerville Rd.
Lancaster, PA • 717-393-9523
68 East Town Mall, Rt. 30E
Lancaster, PA • 717-394-8957
1755 Columbia Ave.
Millersville Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462
717-397-5112
575 N. Franklin St., next to McCuskey
High School • 717-394-7938
2034 Lincoln Hwy East in Wal-Mart
717-390-1099
King & Water Streets • 717-299-6699
Manor Shopping Center
1296 Millersville Pk. • 717-293-5706
LEMOYNE
Rts. 11 and 15 North across from
Radisson Hotel • 717-761-7992
LEBANON
1202 W. Maple St. • 717-273-8691
757 E. Cumberland St. • 717-273-9023
1725 Quentin Rd., Lebanon, PA
717-306-6565
LEWISTOWN
US 522 & US 22 • 717-248-5255
121 Electric Avenue • 717-248-4447
LITITZ
990 Lititz Pike, Rt. 501 N.
717-627-4666
LITTLESTOWN
430 North Queen St. • 717-359-8946
LYKENS VALLEY
4660 Rt. 209 • 717-362-8416
MANHEIM
711 Lancaster Rd., Rt. 72
717-664-4944
MECHANICSBURG
Wesley Dr. Exit, Rt. 15
717-761-7525
KMart Plaza, 5600 Carlisle Pike
717-766-9675
6250 Carlisle Pike in Wal-Mart
717-591-9864
MERCERSBURG
11924 Buchanan Trial West
717-328-0111
MIDDLETOWN
2270 W. Harrisburg Pike • 717-944-9535
MIFFLINTOWN
Rt. 322 and Rt. 35, Mifflintown Exit
717-436-9779
MYERSTOWN
295 West Lincoln Avenue (Rt. 422)
717-866-2278
NEW CUMBERLAND
101 Limekiln Rd. • 717-774-1027
NEW HOLLAND
828 W. Main St. • 717-354-9300
NEW OXFORD
6040 York Rd., Rts. 30 and 94
717-624-4266
NEWPORT
Rt. 322 and Rt. 34, Newport Exit
717-567-9344
PALMYRA
901 E. Main St. • 717-838-6815
PINE GROVE
l-81 , Exit 31 • 717-345-6400
RED LION
897 West Broadway • 717-246-1802
655 Lombard St., Cape Horn Plaza
717-246-7801
SCOTLAND
3347 Black Gap Rd. • 717-263-7507
SHIPPENSBURG
333 East King St. • 717-532-7945
SHREWSBURY
Exit 1 off I-83 • 717-235-4663
SILVER SPRING
Rt. 114 and Shadow Oak Dr.
Mechanicsburg, PA • 717-697-3460
SPRINGETTSBURY
Hallam Exit off Rt. 30, Rt. 462
717-757-9655
WAYNESBORO
302 East Main St. • 717-762-9201
YOCUMTOWN
Exit 14A off I-83 • 717-938-5705
YORK
2125 York Crossing Dr & Rt 74
717-767-1381
Exit 4, I-83, 133 Leader Heights Road
717-747-9191
York Galleria Mall • 717-757-3026
60 Arsenal Rd. • 717-699-4600
Exit 6W off I-83 • 717-845-9360
3141 Carlisle Road, Dover
717-767-2594
144-158 S. George St. • 717-846-1021
Rts. 30 & 74 in Wal-Mart
717-764-8923
380 Memory Lane • 717-757-2912
Tell us you saw this ad in Busline Magazine,
and 1 driver and 1 tour guide will receive a
FREE MEAL!
Please call ahead to the phone number listed by
the McDonald’s of your choice.
0113Busline.FINAL_Layout 1 1/8/13 10:25 AM Page 60
The true value of a Prevost coach goes far beyond the purchase price. Prevost coaches enrich your reputation by dependably
transporting your passengers in comfort, style and safety. They move your business forward by ensuring the best possible fuel
efficiency and lowest operating cost. Our high-deck H-Series Coach offers state-of-the-art amenities that elevate every passenger’s
experience. And our longer-wheelbase X3-45 Coach combines a luxurious ride with a wider entry and 80"-high interior passenger
space. All Prevost motorcoaches are built to deliver exceptional performance, durability and value. Which makes Prevost the safest
investment in a complex industry that’s always on the move.
Please contact your Prevost Regional Sales Manager for more information.
USA 1-877-773-8678
CANADA 418-883-3391
www.prevostcar.com
T h e u l t i m a t e c l a s s.
See us at UMA Motorcoach Expo Booth #271
PRE017-11_ProductAd-Gold-121511_BusLine.indd 1
12/21/11 12:16 PM