National Bus Trader
The Magazine of Bus Equipment for the United States and Canada Volume XLIII, No. 11
October, 2020
Serving the bus industry since 1977. Visit us at www.busmag.com.
• Getting People Back on the Buses • 10 Easy Ways to Update Your Website • Didn’t See That Coming • The Eucharistic Congress in Chicago
Toward a safer future
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Volume XLIII
National Bus Trader 9698 W. Judson Road Polo, Illinois 61064-9015 Phone: (815) 946-2341 Web site: www.busmag.com
Number 11
October, 2020
Features Getting People Back on the Buses (by Larry Plachno) . . . . . . . . . . . 12
10 Easy Ways to Update Your Website During COVID-19 (by Amy Nixon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Didn’t See That Coming (by Dave Millhouser) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
POSTMASTER:
The Eucharistic Congress in Chicago (by Larry Plachno) . . . . . . . 20
Change of Address: Advertising:
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THE Magazine of Bus Equipment for the United States and Canada. National Bus Trader,
National Bus Trader / October, 2020 • 3
Equipment News United House of Prayer for All People gets two new MCI J4500s Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., ("NFI"), one of the world’s largest independent global bus manufacturers, delivered two new MCI J4500 coaches to United House of Prayer for All People. The church, under the leadership of the Honorable Bishop C. M. Bailey and now marking its 100th anniversary, is headquartered in the District of Columbia and has 137 places of worship in 27 states. Its two new 54-passenger J4500 coaches are for private use, going to the church’s Washington. D.C. and Philadelphia locations. The first voyage for the coaches will transport congregants for meetings and worship opportunities planned for a weekend convocation in Buffalo, New York. To protect passengers’ safety the church is practicing distancing, leaving the first two rows empty, limiting onboard capacity, providing on board hand-sanitizers and asking passengers to wear face masks. The coaches will also be disinfected before and after each passenger trip. Plus, on motor coaches, fresh air exchange and fresh air circulation is maximized throughout the cabin. The J4500 coach offers the church and its members spacious interiors with industry leading legroom, low total cost of operation
and reliability. The United House of Prayer began buying MCI motor coaches decades ago and made its most recent purchase with MCI in 2011. These two new J4500 coaches bring the church’s fleet to 23 coaches including two 40-foot D4500 models. Since its coaches are located at church sites throughout the U.S., United Church of Prayer uses MCI service centers across the country for maintenance and repair. The United House of Prayer for All People continues its vision to be a place of worship that also addresses the needs of communities through community development, enterprise, and improved housing throughout the United States. The church has also made a major impact on education, offering scholastic achievement programs to reward grade school students and scholarship college funds to afford young people the opportunity to pursue their dreams of higher education. The House of Prayer provides youth community programs, senior citizen projects, food banks, child care, and other community projects. With 9,000 team members operating from more than 50 facilities across ten countries, NFI is a leading independent global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions under brands: New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), Alexander Dennis Limited (single
and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), MCI® (motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI buses and motor coaches incorporate the widest range of drive systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell). In total, NFI now supports over 105,000 buses and coaches currently in service around the world. NFI common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com, www.alexanderdennis.com, and nfi.parts. Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is North America's public and private market motor coach leader, building the J4500 (the industry best-seller for 14 consecutive years), the all-new 35-foot J3500 model, and the workhorse D-Series including the breakthrough ADA-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coach offering lower dwell times. MCI will add battery-electric propulsion in 2020. With nearly 30,000 MCI coaches on the road, MCI also provides maintenance, repair, 24-hour roadside assistance, parts supply through NFI Parts, and technician training through the industry's only Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited MCI Academy.
The United House of Prayer for All People recently took delivery of two new MCI J4500 coaches. Seating 54 passengers, the coaches were first used to transport congregants from Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia to a convocation in Buffalo, New York. Onboard hand sanitizers are provided and the coaches are disinfected after each passenger trip.
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Equipment News Complete Coach Works Delivers Four Rehabbed Buses to Santa Cruz Metro Complete Coach Works (CCW) recently announced it has made the final delivery to Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (Santa Cruz). The contract, which calls for the rehabilitation of four buses, was awarded late last year.
Complete Coach Works recently completed the rehabilitation of four buses for Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District. The buses were repowered with Cummins ISL-G engines while other parts of the program included installing rebuilt Allison transmissions, new driver seats, new electric cooling systems, rebuild of suspension and axles plus reupholstering and repainting passenger inserts.
The work on the first two buses included repowering them from ISL engines to Cummins ISL-G Recon engines. The other two buses were repowered from John Deere CNG engines to Cummins ISL-G Recon engines. The new engines are certified and fully equipped with all emission components that meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resource Board emission standards. Additional work for all buses included installment of rebuilt Allison transmissions, new driver seats, reupholstered and repainted passenger inserts, internal/external LED lighting, new electric cooling systems, and complete rebuild of suspensions and axles. The buses were then repainted and decalled to reflect Santa Cruz’s branding. The rehabilitations are part of Santa Cruz’s mission to enrich the passenger experience by delivering customers’ comfort and safety in a cost-effective manner. Aaron Timlick, regional sales manager at CCW, shares, “It is very important that transit properties keep their buses reliable and in good
condition for their passengers. We are appreciative that Santa Cruz has chosen CCW to be the company to help them maintain their high standard.”
ciate the trust and confidence Santa Cruz has placed in us,” states Aaron Timlick. “The buses will provide years of dependable service.”
Complete Coach Works looks forward to the completion of this project. “We appre-
Complete Coach Works (CCW) is the largest U.S. bus remanufacturing and rehabilitation company, and the leading provider of a vast array of transportation solutions with over 30 years of dedicated service in the transportation industry. CCW is a pioneer in the business and strives to continually provide cleaner air through innovative design and engineering, resulting in the world’s first and only remanufactured allelectric battery powered bus. Regardless of how small or large the job, CCW provides an exceptionally experienced team of over 350 experts committed to customer service and satisfaction. The Rapid Celebrates the Launch of the Laker Line in Grand Rapids On Monday, August 24, 2020, The Rapid celebrated the launch of the Laker Line, Michigan's second bus rapid transit (BRT) system, with a ceremony at Pew Station.
On August 24, the Rapid in Grand Rapids, Michigan launched new BRT service on the Laker Line between Grand Valley State University in Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids. It replaces the former bus route 50 that saw a seven-fold increase in ridership in 15 years. The 13-mile line includes 14 stations and will be served by 16 articulated buses equipped with WiFi as well as USB charging ports at each seat.
The Laker Line (https://www.ridetherapid.org/howtoride/laker-line) began service between Grand Valley State University Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids campuses on August 24, 2020. The launch of this new BRT route was marked with a gathering at the Laker Line Pew Station with 80 attendees. Speakers included U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, Michigan Department of Transportation Administrator Jean RuestNational Bus Trader / October, 2020 • 5
Equipment News man, Mayor of Kentwood and Board Chair at The Rapid Stephen Kepley, and GVSU Vice President of Administration and Finance Greg Sanial. The Laker Line is a 13-mile BRT route offering a more efficient and comfortable travel experience to those making the trip along the Laker Michigan Drive corridor. This corridor was previously served by Route 50, which saw a 770 percent growth in ridership in a 15-year period. The new Laker Line features 16 articulated buses, Wi-Fi access, USB charging ports at each seat, and 14 enhanced stations. The launch of the Laker Line also marks the 20th anniversary of the formalized partnership between Grand Valley and The Rapid. You do not have to be a Laker to ride like one. Anyone can ride the Laker Line! GVSU students, faculty, and staff ride for free, and just need to have their university ID on-hand. If you are not affiliated with GVSU, all you need is valid fare. For faster boarding, each Laker Line station is equipped with a ticket vending machine (TVM) for purchasing and reloading your Wave card. The Laker offers a better experience, even before you board. The robust covered stations are fully appointed with real-time arrival info, emergency phones, bike racks, security cameras, and even snowmelt for those wintery days. Once the bus arrives, level platforms and precise bus docking creates boarding that’s faster and safer. Just pick door number 1, 2, or 3 and walk aboard.
Bus Service Resumes North of Boston Concord Coach Lines restarted regular passenger service between Boston and Maine on August 16. Eight round trips per day will be scheduled between Portland and Boston with stops at South Station and Logan Airport. Two trips will stop at Boston, Auburn and Augusta while one trip will run up the coastal route between Portland and Bangor. Plexiglass shields are provided between seat rows and the buses are disinfected daily with an electrostatic fogging system. Only 34 passengers will be allowed to board each bus, instead of the normal 51. Cyr Bus Line previously resumed service between Bangor and Aroostook County on July 2. The northbound bus departs from Bangor at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Caribou at 9:30 p.m. The southbound bus departs from Caribou at 7:00 a.m. as per the previous schedule. Barons Bus Invests in Motor Coach Air Purification system using UV Lights from NFI Parts™ NFI Parts™, the parts subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), one of the world’s leading independent bus manufacturers, has received an order from Barons Bus for 51 UV Light Kits to be installed on their entire fleet of MCI J4500 motor coaches. NFI Parts’ UV Lighting system works to reduce bacteria, viruses and mold in the HVAC system; creating a safer and more comfortable experience for passengers. The UV Lighting system mounts inside the ductwork and sanitizes air with UV light and does not produce pollution or use harmful
chemicals. UVC lights have been used to sanitize hospitals, operating rooms, doctors’ offices, medical equipment, residential spaces, etc. for many years. “At NFI Parts we always want to ensure we are offering a diverse variety of products to support customer needs,” said Scott Robertson, vice president of customer service. “Barons Bus expressed interest in our Clean and Protect offerings and through cooperative investigation of their needs and possible solutions we jointly came to the decision that UVC light would best help accomplish their goals.” Robertson further explained “We sourced a robust, commercial grade approach for motor coaches selecting a product with the UVC wavelength; little to no maintenance is required, and it will automatically turn on with the HVAC system. The investment clearly demonstrates that Barons Bus is taking extra steps to ensure that their motor coaches remain the safest mode of passenger transportation.” A family-owned bus transportation service, Barons Bus is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and is owned and operated by the Goebel family, who have been in the bus transportation industry for more than 30 years. The former owners of Lakefront Lines, the Goebel family started Barons Bus in 2012, focusing on purchasing only safe, reliable, clean, and comfortable buses. This philosophy has continued as Barons Bus has grown from 5 buses to 51 today. Service has expanded to include bus charters, bus tickets at 95+ stops, the College Connection service offering campus transportation and school bus transportation. Barons Bus prides itself on safety and customer service and was the recipient of the 2019 Metro Magazine Motorcoach Operator of the Year Award. “Barons’ number one priority is safety. We pride ourselves on offering new and late model buses with the latest safety features,” said John Geobel, vice president of Barons Bus. “We want every rider to know we are doing everything we can to provide the safest ride for them. This investment in UVC as well as FAR UV lighting is part of our larger efforts to ensure everyone’s safety.” Customers riding on Barons Bus are currently required to wear masks, which are being provided by Barons for free. Barons Bus’ official statement on cleaning and safety protocols can be found at https://baronsbus.com/coronavirus-covid19-update/
Baron’s Bus has ordered 51 UV light kits that will be installed on their fleet of MCI J4500 coaches. The UV lighting system mounts inside the ductwork and sanitizes the air using UV light. Headquartered in Cleveland and founded in 2012 with five buses, the company today operates a fleet of 51 buses.
6 • National Bus Trader / October, 2020
“Our motor coaches are cleaned and sanitized daily by our service team. All hard surfaces are cleaned with an EPA approved Lysol disinfectant,” continued Geobel. “We
Equipment News have increased the frequency of sanitizing surfaces that people regularly come in contact with including: windows and window sills, all hand rails, arm rests, driver steering wheel, dash area, head rests, restroom door handles, overhead compartment handles, and any other hard surface on the vehicle. We have also installed hand sanitizing dispensers on every motor coach. Utilizing the
technology offered by NFI Parts and FAR UV, face masks and daily cleaning protocols make traveling by motor coach a safe and affordable option.” The strong partnership between NFI Parts and its supply network has resulted in inventory on these high demand items to be available for purchase. Due to the popularity
of the Clean and Protect products, customers are encouraged to reach out to their NFI Parts customer service representative as quickly as possible to minimize lead times. For more details on UV Lighting Kits or other offerings in the NFI Parts Clean and Protect line, please visit: http://nfi.parts/cleanandprotect/ Flxible Rally Postponed Out of an overabundance of caution and concern for the health and well being of Flxible bus owners and bus enthusiasts, Flxible Owners International has chosen to postpone this year’s Flxible Bus Rally in Loudonville, Ohio and reschedule it for August 25-29, 2021. Additional details will be provided when available.
Due to concerns for the health and well being of Flxible owners and bus enthusiasts, Flxible Owners International has postponed this year’s Flxible Bus Rally and rescheduled it for August 25-29, 2021. The group traditionally meets in Loudonville, Ohio, the home of the original Flxible bus factory. This photo shows a bus parade at a recent event.
NFI Parts™ announces exclusive distributorship for Eagle Disinfection Group’s Proactive Air and Surface Purification system for bus and motor coach NFI Parts™, the parts subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), one of the world’s leading independent bus manufacturers, has partnered with Eagle Disinfection Group, global distributor of Puradigm, LLC, to be the exclusive distributor of the Puradigm
National Bus Trader / October, 2020 • 7
Equipment News FLOW 100 system in the bus and motor coach market. The FLOW 100 is a Buy America Compliant Proactive Air and Surface Purification system. It uses proprietary technology to create advanced purification by producing High Energy Clusters which are distributed throughout the interior of the vehicle safely sanitizing both air and surfaces, leaving behind no harmful residue. Puradigm recently announced successful testing at the University of Florida showing its technology deactivates SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as deactivating coronavirus 229E. “We are extremely proud to partner with Eagle Disinfection Group to add Puradigm’s technology to our Clean and Protect product line-up,” said Brian Dewsnup, president at NFI Parts. “This solution is a fantastic option for our customer base. The unit runs while a vehicle is in service. This means there is no down time or additional cleaning during service; once it has been installed and the vehicle is running, it continuously disinfects while the vehicle is on the road.” The unit is easy to install and can be placed anywhere on a bus or coach. It does not interfere with, or void warranties, on any other systems within the vehicle. “The unique ability to run safely in the background is a huge advantage for agencies beginning to ramp-up or restart service as they work to create confidence in their ridership. Passengers will feel that the vehicle is a safe place to be,” continued Dewsnup. “We’ve seen amazing initiatives to increase cleaning and disinfecting over the past few months but removing vehicles from service to be sanitized throughout the day is not a sustainable solution; this will always be time-consuming and costly. The more we can do to keep buses and coaches moving, the more we can ensure riders have transportation options they can rely on; the Puradigm solution helps facilitate this.” Puradigm, LLC offers proactive air and surface purification solutions which are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and that have proven to be safe, scalable and provide 24/7 protection to all indoor environments. Puradigm's technology has patents around the world and has been validated by many testing organizations in the reduction of mold, bacteria, virus, and other harmful pathogens. The Puradigm technology is the most validated in the industry and can be customized for any indoor environment. The strong partnership between NFI Parts and its supply network has resulted in 8 • National Bus Trader / October, 2020
The new version of Bus Simulator offers several improvements for those who would like to drive buses on computers and consoles. Although developed in Europe, this verson offers a US-American setting based on the San Francisco Bay Area. In keeing up with the industry, Bus Simulator 21 will introduce both a double decker as well as an electric bus.
inventory on high demand items to be available for purchase. Due to the popularity of the Clean and Protect products, customers are encouraged to reach out to their NFI Parts customer service representative as quickly as possible to minimize lead times. More information on the Proactive Air and Surface Purification and other products on the NFI Parts Clean and Protect line can be found here: www.nfi.parts/cleanandprotect. Bus Simulator 21 True to the series’ trademark slogan “YOUR BUS. YOUR ROUTE. YOUR SCHEDULE.“ astragon Entertainment and stillalive Studios are happy to announce the successor of the popular Bus Simulator 18 for PC as well as Bus Simulator on consoles today. Bus Simulator 21 is coming to PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One in 2021. The possibilities to make the game compatible with the upcoming generation of consoles is currently still being explored. With Bus Simulator 21 players can be looking forward to the most comprehensive part of the popular game series to date, with an impressive number of officially licensed and faithfully modelled buses by worldfamous manufacturers such as Alexander Dennis as well as numerous additional globally renowned brands, which will be revealed at a later point of time. Bus Simulator 21 will not only offer the most modern vehicle fleet, but also introduce a double decker and electric buses for the first time in the history of the Bus Simulator game series! With the help of this huge selection of buses players can then start driving on two huge maps: next to a reworked version of the predecessor’s European based city
“Seaside Valley” (including its official map extension), Bus Simulator 21 will also offer a brand-new US-American setting – the city of “Angel Shores,” which finds its inspiration in the San Francisco Bay Area. Regardless if players will make their rounds within the industrial district, the peripheral areas, downtown or lively Chinatown, along the waterside promenade, through the surrounding hills or in the business park area – thanks to the new and even freer openworld approach of Bus Simulator 21, players can be looking forward to experience the exciting everyday life of a bus driver like never before! Just like its predecessors, Bus Simulator 21 will once more offer a cooperative multiplayer mode, so that players will be able to drive the lines of their self-created route network together with friends and build-up their team’s joint public transport empire. The game's sophisticated management systems will offer even more freedom, numerous new and expanded features and, for the first time, the option of setting up detailed timetables for your own bus fleet. If a player prefers to simply drive instead of taking care of the micromanagement of his local transport company down to the smallest detail, the intelligent AI will of course offer pure bus driving enthusiasts the option of having the planning tasks carried out automatically by the game. The prospective bus driver in Bus Simulator 21 is again supported by Mira Tannhauser, the beloved virtual mentor first known from Bus Simulator 18. In her unique and charming way, Mira will not only gently introduce the players to the world of public transport, but will also guide them through the numerous exciting missions of the exten-
Equipment News sive campaigns on the Seaside Valley and Angel Shores maps of the game. Next to the campaigns, Bus Simulator 21 will come with numerous random events and side tasks as well as a sandbox mode where players are free to do what they want whenever they want and develop their individual bus empire completely according to their needs. Bus lovers and simulation enthusiasts can therefore be looking forward to the most extensive bus driving experience in the history of the popular game series! Bus Simulator 21 will be released in 2021 on PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One. Keolis awarded contract in Virginia The PRTC Board of Directors has awarded Keolis a five-year contract to operate and maintain its OmniRide bus service in Virginia from 1 November 2020. OmniRide serves William County and its surrounding areas, which count 4.6 million inhabitants who use both the local and commuter bus service into Washington, D.C. A total of 166 buses, adapted for people with reduced mobility, will run on the network which features 26 routes and includes 17 park-and-ride car parks. They will carry around four million passengers per year. In responding to a competitive procurement, Keolis highlighted its extensive knowl-
edge of the region as the operator of Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and its nationally and internationally renowned expertise in operating and maintaining bus services. Following the award, Keolis will now bring its safety-focused and passenger-centric approach to operating OmniRide’s commuter, local and paratransit service and to maintaining PRTC’s assets. Keolis, which will integrate 237 new employees, has already begun changeover activities to ensure a smooth transition. PRTC is also responsible for the VRE commuter rail service, in partnership with the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, which is operated by Keolis and was recently extended by five years. Edmonton expands mobility with more than 1,100 New Flyer buses delivered New Flyer Industries Canada ULC (“New Flyer”), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. (“NFI”), one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, recently announced that the City of Edmonton, the owner and operator of Edmonton Transit Service (“ETS”), has awarded New Flyer a contract for 46 forty-foot Xcelsior® clean diesel heavy-duty transit buses, which have been converted from New Flyer’s backlog and are currently in delivery.
The contract follows multiple prior orders from ETS, with New Flyer having delivered more than 1,100 buses to the agency since 1992, and is in addition to the 35 sixty-foot Xcelsior clean-diesel transit buses (70 equivalent units or “EUs”) recently purchased by the City of Edmonton and announced in December 2019. ETS continues to refresh its bus fleet as the city focuses on improving and expanding efficient mobility through its ETS Annual Service Plan and 2020 priorities. “New Flyer has proudly served ETS for years, having delivered over one thousand buses spanning three decades as Edmonton’s population swelled by nearly sixty percent. With this additional order, we continue to help ETS in expanding mobility with the most advanced transit technology and proven platform available in North America,” said Chris Stoddart, president, New Flyer. “We look forward to supporting an ETS-driven evolution in community transit, advancing the experience with more reliable, efficient, and connected mobility.” New Flyer’s clean diesel buses use a four-step process to filter emissions, with leading technology resulting in highly efficient, virtually smoke-free engines which can reduce particulate emissions by 90% and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions by 95%. For information New Flyer’s full product line of low and zero-emission Xcelsior buses, visit newflyer.com/buses/xcelsior-family. ETS is a fully integrated public transit system providing bus, light rail, and paratransit service. ETS focuses on service, infrastructure, and technology to deliver and operate seamless transit within the City of Edmonton limits, in addition to Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, Beaumont, and the Edmonton Garrison at Namao. New Flyer has been leading innovation in mobility for 90 years, today supporting North American cities with sustainable buses, technology, and infrastructure. It also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center, the first and only innovation lab of its kind dedicated to advancing bus technology and providing workforce development through electric bus training. New Flyer was the first bus manufacturer in the world to sign on to the Shared Mobility Principles for Livable Cities, and is currently developing automated bus technology to improve safety in public transit.
Keolis has been awarded a five-year contract to take over the OmniRide service in Virginia. Based in William Couty and surrounding areas, the operation provides both local and commuter bus service into Washington, D.C. OmniRide operates a total of 166 buses on 26 routes and also has 17 parkand-ride lots. Keolis has been the operator of Virginia Railway Express.
De Lijn in Belgium gets 70 hybrid buses The cooperation between the Flemish passenger transport company De Lijn and VDL is set to continue with an order for 70 hybrid buses. The Citeas SLFA-180 Hybrid National Bus Trader / October, 2020 • 9
Equipment News will be delivered in the second half of 2021 and will operate at various locations in Flanders. The aim is to offer electric transport in all 13 central cities by 2025. Priority will be given to the low emission zones of Brussels and Antwerp. The order is part of a framework agreement for the purchase of 400 buses that was awarded to VDL last year. Roger Kesteloot, director-general De Lijn: “Hybrid buses are a big step forward in the greening of public transport. The order for these 70 hybrid buses fits in with our plans to speed up the greening and rejuvenation of the bus fleet. This is necessary because we want to be operating fully electric in all central cities by 2025. The new order follows an earlier one for 200 hybrids at the end of 2019. A total of 270 new hybrid buses are expected between 2020 and 2022. About one bus in three of De Lijn’s buses will operate green.” Filip Malefason, director VDL Bus & Coach Belgium: “De Lijn has already ordered a total of 890 vehicles from VDL Bus & Coach since 2014. With this order, the share of electrically powered buses is growing steadily and Flanders is becoming increasingly greener. VDL Bus & Coach is proud that, together with De Lijn, we are able to realize the transition from diesel buses, over hybrid electric buses to full electric buses. In addition to the greening of public transport in Flanders, hybrid buses also emit less noise compared to conventional diesel buses. The hybrid buses will be produced at VDL Bus Roeselare, our Belgian production company. “It’s nice to see that the vehicles are going to be built and used locally.” This generation of hybrid Citeas has been developed on the basis of the experiences that De Lijn and VDL Bus & Coach have gained with the vehicles delivered in the past. The hybrid articulated Low Floor Citea has the same electric powertrain as the Citea Electric. Thanks to a new and compact ‘High-Power’ battery technology, this hybrid vehicle can be used as a full electric bus in city centers and low emission zones. De Lijn has opted for a high battery capacity so that the buses with fully charged batteries can run fully electrically over distances of up to 30 kilometers. All hybrid buses are supported by a generator that meets the strictest current European environmental standards and can be switched on to recharge the batteries as required. In addition, the batteries can be charged via a CCS Combo2 charging plug. In the future, the electrical autonomy of hybrid buses can be further increased by extending them with a fast charging option. This would allow the buses to be loaded by means of a pantograph integrated into the charging infrastructure. 10 • National Bus Trader / October, 2020
VDL is delivering 70 hybrid buses to De Lijn, the major transit operator in Belgium’s smaller cities and rural areas. They will be Citea model SLFA-180 and will be delivered in the second half of 2021. De Lijn plans to offer electric transport in 13 cities by 2025.
This follow-up order consists of 70 Citeas SLFA-180 Hybrid. The articulated low floor bus has a 240 kW electric motor combined with a 64 kWh ‘High-Power’ battery pack. In addition, all hybrid buses are equipped with
a 210 kW, 4-cylinder Euro 6 generator that can power the battery. Thanks to the combination of a serial hybrid system with a hightech battery pack, the new generation of hybrid Citeas can drive electrically more than half the time. Ë
Bus Equipment People On Your Mark Transportation On Your Mark Transportation, a consultant firm in the passenger ground transportation industry, recently announced the addition of two new associates. Rodney Preusse brings with him an extensive career in diesel mechanics, and Amy Nixon comes on board with a background in journalism and public relations. “Rodney brings a whole new list of services for us to offer our clients,” said On Your Mark Transportation president and CEO Mark Szyperski. “With his background, he can do an equipment assessment before purchase and help us with our Pre-DOT and DOD audits to help companies prepare themselves.”
Preusse studied heavy truck and highway coach at St. Cloud Technical and worked 16 years at St. Cloud Trailways as a mechanic for coaches and school buses. He had a master ASE Heavy Truck Certification while at FedEx, where he worked as a senior mechanic. And he spent nine years as a technical and product support manager for ABC Companies and Van Hool. His specialty is electrical and air conditioning consulting.
Preusse is available to travel and assist clients as needed.
“I’m happy to become a part of the On Your Mark Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n ensemble,” said Preusse. “I believe I have some unique and needed talent to Rodney Preusse add to the team. I enjoy travel and going to our client’s locations to help with training or doing an assessment of equipment before it is purchased.”
Nixon is a journalist with more than 13 years of experience in the news industry. With a background in public relations and reporting and editing newspapers, magazines and specialty publications, Nixon is available to help clients with press releases, web content and SEO, newsletter content and more.
“We are so lucky to have someone of Amy’s background and talents join our associates,” said Szyperski. “Amy is going to be a great asset to our orchestra of professionals.” “I look forward to helping businesses best utilize their websites, social media platforms and the media in order to get their message out there,” said Nixon. “Writing is my passion, and I enjoy working with clients to better engage their audiences online. I am excited to share my services with On Your Mark Transportation and its clients.”
Szyperski said Nixon’s experience will help companies promote themselves in order to be better recognized and marketed. “I’ve come across so many companies in my travels that have great things to share about their businesses, but they are like little lights hidden,” Szyperski said. “By using Amy’s journalistic abilities, companies Amy Nixon can now promote themselves in local media, on their social media and websites, as well as use our connections to the national media and industry.” On Your Mark Transportation LLC is a consulting firm to the ground passenger transportation industry. With experience in transit, school bus, luxury transportation and motorcoaches, OYMT can bring a full range of extra services to an organization, either long term, or short term, as needed. Contact them through their website at OnYourMarkTransportation.com or by calling directly at 615.669.0107. Keolis
Marie-Ange Debon will began as Keolis Group executive chairwoman on 24 August 2020. Joël Lebreton, chairman of the Supervisory Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Marie-Ange Debon to the Group’s management. She is a committed leader, keen to reconcile growth with financial rigour.
Keolis will benefit from her experience in both the public and private sectors across the world serving our passengers and our public transport authorities. She has all the qualities required to implement the strategy defined by the Supervisory Board which was confirmed last spring”. Marie-Ange Debon added: "I am proud to be taking over management of Keolis, an innovative Group working towards shared, sustainable and inclusive mobility. I am aware of just how committed Keolis' 68,500 employees are throughout the world. During the Covid-19 crisis, they have flawlessly fulfilled their public service remits."
Marie-Ange Debon has held several managing positions in international groups. From 2008 to March 2020, she was deputy chief executive officer of SUEZ Group, where she successively led the international division (4.6bn Euros turnover in more than 50 countries) and the French division (5.8bn Euros turnover, Marie-Ange Debon 30,000 employees). She had initially joined SUEZ Group as general secretary when it was listed on the stock exchange in 2008. From 1998 to 2008, she held the position of deputy chief financial officer and then general secretary of Thomson Group, now Technicolor. Between 1994 and 1998, she was deputy CEO of France 3 – national television channel after having spent four years as a magistrate with the French Court of Auditors from 1990 to 1994.
Marie-Ange Debon is also an administrator of listed companies and vice-president of MEDEF International – the French Business Confederation.
Furthermore, Marie-Ange Debon is administrator for a palliative care facility in Paris. She is also a graduate of HEC Paris (1986) and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration - ENA (1989). Ë National Bus Trader / October, 2020 • 11
By now it has become obvious that the single biggest challenge facing the bus industry is getting people back on the buses. Some people have simply reduced their travels while others are using private autos to eliminate contact with other individuals. Numerous systems and devices are available to bus owners and operators to make their vehicles safer, but the real challenge may be in making passengers feel comfortable and safe when riding on buses again. MCI.
12 • National Bus Trader / October, 2020
The experts are predicting a substantial increase in private auto traffic in the big cities as the pandemic eases. People will resort to driving rather than interact with others on public transport. This could tax roadways and parking lots beyond capacity and create major traffic jams while increasing commuting times. However, this same situation could also work to the advantage of buses to eliminate these problems.
Many bus manufactueres and other suppliers are providing equipment and systems to make buses safer for passengers and drivers. Shown here is an external system offered by Irizar that can disinfect a bus with no one on board in about 30 minutes. National Bus Trader / October, 2020 • 13
Making money with buses is not necessarily limited to transporting passengers. Several bus operations have founding that carrying packages and other items in the luggage compartment can add to your revenue stream.
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Or send your check plus $9.00 postage (for up to three books) to: National Bus Trader, 9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064. For questions e-mail:
nancy@busmag.com 14 â&#x20AC;¢ National Bus Trader / October, 2020
10 easy ways to update your website during COVID-19 By Amy Nixon, Media Consultant for On Your Mark Transportation, LLC
16 â&#x20AC;¢ National Bus Trader / October, 2020
This is a great time to update your Website as you start returning to regular operations. Keeping your Website clean and fresh helps a great deal in presenting your image to your customers and telling them what you can do for them. Here is the Website for Takers Transportation.
Updating your Website is a great way to get information to your customers and potential customers. You can let them know that you are once again offering them your great transportation services. Here is the Website of Thrasher Brothers Trailways.
GENERATORS FOR THE MANY ROADS AHEAD.
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³ Commercial quality and competitively priced. ³ 7KW to 100KW generators, powered by a rugged Kubota or Cummins diesel engine. ³ Highly-experienced staff to help guide you. ³ RVIA models and multiple options available. ³ Roll out and enclosed models. ³ Generator service in the Charlotte area on most makes and models. Convenient interstate access. Mobile service available!
Call for details: 1-800-374-7522 enginepowersource.com National Bus Trader / October, 2020 • 17
Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t See That Coming By Dave Millhouser Well-known industry veteran Dave Millhouser relates some earlier bus driving experiences where he did not see things coming. Then, he transfers this same theme to the bus industry not seeing the pandemic coming. Shown here is a Flxible VL-100 similar to the one mentioned in the article. DAVE MILLHOUSER.
good maybe
unless 18 â&#x20AC;˘ National Bus Trader / October, 2020
did
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The author originally started out in the bus industry in the summer of 1966 sweeping the inside of a 1947 Brill coach. Here, he is pictured with a similar coach that is on display at the Greyhound Museum in Hibbing, Minnesota. DAVE MILLHOUSER.
nothing.
Introducing www.millhouser.net
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Absolutely the finest dump valve ever. • Air powered version since 1985. • All parts easily replaceable Author Dave Millhouser has spent five decades in the bus industry. When he was not driving buses he was selling them. Shown here is a Van Hool C2045 that was one of several models sold by ABC Companies. DAVE MILLHOUSER.
DUPREE PRODUCTS Phone: (888) 668-4288 Fax: (905) 374-3796 www.dupreeproducts.com
National Bus Trader / October, 2020 • 19
Major Mass Movements
The Eucharistic Congress in Chicago by Larry Plachno
In looking for events with impressive attendance and logistics in moving people, some of the historians suggested we look at the Eucharistic Congress in Chicago that not only had substantial numbers participating but also involved moving a huge number of people 40 miles north of the city. This photo was taken at Soldier Field on the day of the Second General Meeting, June 22, 1926. This meeting focused on women and had an attendance of between 250,000 and 300,000 people.
George Cardinal Mundelein
20 â&#x20AC;˘ National Bus Trader / October, 2020
Activities started on Sunday with a procession to Holy Name Cathedral north of Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loop. More than 1,000 clergy were in the procession while a crowd of approximately 250,000 watched the activities.
Chicago Surface Lines carried the bulk of the spectators going to the procession and the participants at the following events at Soldier Field. Total ridership for CSL on that Monday and Tuesday reached 5,000,000 passengers.
Planning the Eucharistic Congress
National Bus Trader / October, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ 21
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday events took place at Soldier Field with a different theme and agenda on each day. This photo was taken on Wednesday, June 23 when activities were dedicated to Higher Education Day. The majorty of participants arrived via Chicago Surface Lines .
Sunday through Wednesday Events
Only weeks away from electrification, the Illinois Central suburban trains carried many participants to Soldier Field using the new trackage. The IC was particularly busy on Monday, June 21 when 62,000 school children from 325 parochial schools attended the Childrens Day events.
22 â&#x20AC;˘ National Bus Trader / October, 2020
After the activities at Soldier Field on Wednesday, the North Shore Line provided special trains from the Wilson Avenue rapid transit station to transport the clergy to the seminary at Mundelein. Show here is one special train designated as the Cardinalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special.
Events at Mundelein on Thursday centered around the seminary property which is located adjacent to St.Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake and just north of the North Shore Line tracks.
Thursday, June 24
Pens and fences were necessary at the temporary seminary station to keep passengers away from the electrified third rails. This photo looks east with the North Shore Line main line to the left. National Bus Trader / October, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ 23
This overhead photo looks northeast and shows the temporary terminal at the seminary in the center of the photo. The double track main line of the North Shore Line is just north of the temporary terminal. The temporary bridge across the North Shore Line main line is just off of the photo to the left while some of the auto parking area can be seen at the lower right. Those with sharp eyes might see a couple of cars parked on the main line as well as numerous people along the road to the north of the tracks, presumably walking from the Milwaulee Road at Libertyville.
Shown here is a simple map of the railroads in the area between Lake Bluff and Mundelein. Lake Michigan is just off the map to the right while Chicago is south or beyond the bottom of the map. The C&NW even brought participants up its freight line and transferred them to the electric trains at Lake Bluff. The Milwaukee Road passengers had the longest walk while the Soo Line station was relatively close to the seminary. NBT.
24 â&#x20AC;˘ National Bus Trader / October, 2020
In order to transport the crowds from Chicago, rapid transit cars equipped with trolley poles ran up the new Skokie Valley Line route of the North Shore Line from the south side of Chicago to the temporary seminary terminal.
In addition to the Chicago Rapid Transit and North Shore line, steam railroads brought numerous participants to the seminary for Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acivities. Shown here is a Chicago & Northwestern train similar to the ones used.
National Bus Trader / October, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ 25
portation Miracle
This view looks east and shows passengers boarding at the temporary terminal at the seminary. Note the control bridge over the tracks at the left where management controlled operations.
26 â&#x20AC;˘ National Bus Trader / October, 2020
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Photographs
Readers and advertisers are encouraged to send in photographs or slides of buses or equipment that may be of special interest to our readers. Please, include a list explaining what makes the pictured item different, unusual or interesting.
Above
This is a 2005 MCI J4500 model that seats 56 passengers. Features include a restroom, power outlets and USB ports, TV monitors, DVD, stereo and a PA system. It is located in St. Louis and offered for sale in an advertisement on page 30 of this issue. Below
This 1929 Yellow Coach from Fullington Bus Co. was photographed in the Annex building at the bus museum in Hershey, Pennsylvana. Their Spring Fling gathering that had been rescheduled for the fall has now again been posponed to 2021. Stay tuned for more information.
28 â&#x20AC;˘ National Bus Trader / October, 2020
Photos should be sent to N ATIONAL B US TRADER, 9698 West Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064. Please indicate if you would like your picture returned. Picture usage is dependent on the quality of the photo and space available.
Classified Visit National Bus Trader’s Online Classified Ads at www.busmag.com Classified ad rate is $30 per issue for first 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Rate includes Internet access. Name, address, zip and phone number are not included in word count. The total number of words in a classified ad can not exceed 70. Rates apply on each ad individually – the rate for multiple insertions is the total of each ad figured individually. Free classified ads are acceptable ONLY when submitted on or with your free classified ad certificate. Display advertising rates on request. 1 – BUSES WANTED 1940s White Model 788 or 798 wanted. 12 cylinder engine mounted under floor midship. Would like a complete original bus, but like to hear about parts buses. Contact Howard Lane, Hardwick MA 01037 at (413) 477-8790 or ✩ howard.lane@comcast.net. Seeking 102D3 converted by Custom Coach. Prefer motor home interior with side aisle or semi-side aisle. Please provide details by e-mail to safety@busmag.com or phone Larry at (815) 946-2341. 2 – COACHES FOR SALE (2) Prevost 2000 H3-45 American. Seats 56 passengers, Series 60 Detroit, Allison trans., enclosed overhead storage, passenger shades, REI video system; 2017 Van Hool CX. Detroit/Allison, lift-equipped Amaya 56passenger seats, shades, REI video. Will e-mail pictures and vehicle specifics upon request. Call Don Oberle at (402) 640-4095 in NE for pricing. ❑ Next Deadline – Oct. 15 for December issue
2 – COACHES FOR SALE 1996 Prevost H3-41 48-passenger motorcoach with Series 60 Detroit and Allison B500 transmission. Working video system, good seating and restroom. Currently in service. $12,000. E-mail loyd.bailie@mid-american✩ coaches.com. Contact us for a list of our buses that are available for sale. We are reducing and updating our inventory of MCI coaches and BlueBird school buses. Contact (860) 974-7068 in CT or charlie@rukstelacharters.com. ❑ 5C – MISCELLANEOUS BUSES 1982 BBC/GMC HR150G trolley bus. Brown-Bovari controls, running condition. Must dispose due to space limitation. Make offer. Contact Dale@trams.ca or ✩ phone (604) 325-9990 in Vancouver. 6 – MOTOR HOMES FOR SALE 1975 GM PD4108 35-foot bus conversion. 120,000 miles from new. Always garaged. All tires two years old. Sleeps four and seats six in comfort. Interior like new. Upgraded in 2007. All electric. Asking $71,500 OBO. Contact charleswotring@comcast.net or phone (717) 691-1147 in PA . ❑ 1994 Prevost Liberty conversion. 8V-92 Twin Turbo w/Eco Boost, Webasto heat. All electric. New tires, batteries (bus), bus air. Interior – teal, rose, mirrors. Excellent condition. $95,000. Phone (276) 466-7325 in VA. ✩ MCI MC5A ’67 (shell). 8V-71, 4-speed. For sale to highest bidder. Call (928) 358-6415 or (505) 713-9242 in AZ. ✩
6 – MOTOR HOMES FOR SALE 1963 PD4106 professionally-converted. 12,500 new Gen diesel; P/S, auto. trans. No electrolysis; new brake drums and aluminum wheels & tires. Phone (952) 657-2140 in MN. ✩ 1956 Flxible coach – old conversion. Phone (802) 948✩ 2886 in VT for details. ’67 Flxible. Converted, 6V-92, 10-spd./OD, diesel generator. Recent $10,000 rebuilt – rebushed. Don’t see well; can’t drive and enjoy. Best offer over $17,500. Needs TLC. Phone Chet at (269) 445-0641 in MI. ✩ 1999 MCI 102DL3 Bruce Coach conversion. One owner, 45-foot. 59,000 original miles Usual equipment. New batteries, tires, inverter.No slides. $125,000. E-mail roddesz@aol.com for pictures. Phone (480) 488-2210 in AZ. ✩ 10 – PARTS AND EQUIPMENT 6-71 engine – running take out of 4104 – in cradle with 4-speed spicer still attached. $1,500 plus freight. E-mail Russoot@gmail.com or phone (423) 823-2507 in TN. ✩ GMC bus parts for sale. Any and all parts for 41044106 and 4905. Too many to list. Call (952) 657-2140 in MN. ✩ 6V-92T Detroit Diesel engine. Fresh overhaul. In storage. Spent $4,700. Make offer. Phone (815) 738-2950 in IL. Please mention National Bus Trader when answering advertisers
SOLD
National Bus Trader / October, 2020 • 29
Classified 11 – BUS SERVICES Coach & RV specialist. Pre-loss and post-loss evaluations, appraisals and documentation for insurance. “National Coverage.” Contact Coddington Adjustment Co., PO Box 634, Howell NJ 07731 at (732) 364-4200 or claims@coddingtonadj.com; champ@coddingtonadj.com. ❑ 12 – CHARTER & TOUR ATTRACTIONS Full-service transportation company, serving the Palm Springs area and all of southern California. Sedans, SUVs, limousines, Sprinters, mini-coaches, buses. Contact Caridff Limousine and Transport at 75-255 Cheryl Ave., Palm Desert CA 92211 ❑ 14 – NOTICES Visit our 35+ vintage buses at Lakewood NJ Bus Terminal Saturdays. Join Friends NJ Transport Heritage Center. www.friendsnjthc.org. Annual dues $30. Call Tom at (732) ✩ 833-1213. 15 – MISCELLANEOUS Bay area (northern California) bus slides for sale. Original and dupes. $1.50 ea. Contact kimojim123@msn.com in CA. ✩
MOVING?
Please let us know at least 60 days in advance to ensure that your next issue of NATIONAL BUS TRADER reaches your new address. Postcards with changeof-address forms are available at your local post office.
Down The Road
November 15-17, 2020. BusCon 2020. November 15-19, 2020. NTA Travel Exchange.
January 28-30, 2021. Busworld North America.
January 30-February 2, 2021. American Bus Association Marketplace. March 3-7, 2021. UMA Motorcoach Expo 2021. . MCA's 102nd International Convention and RV Expo.
2005 MCI J4500 Detroit / Allison - 515,817 miles - $45,000 OBO • Well maintained 56-pass coach • Comfortable high-back reclining seats • Large tinted windows • Enclosed overhead interior compartments • Restroom • Power outlets and USB ports • Large underbody luggage compartments • TV Monitors/DVD/Stereo • Interior PA system • Located in St. Louis Contact Lynn at (314) 750-6172 or LSansone9@gmailcom
Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Title of Publication: National Bus Trader. Publication No. 0194939X. Date of Filing: 9/08/20. Issue Frequency: Monthly. No. of Issues Published Annually: 12. Annual Subscription Price: $30 U.S., $40 Canada & International. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication and Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064. Contact Person: Larry J. Plachno. Telephone: (815) 946-2341. Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Larry J. Plachno, National Bus Trader, Inc., 9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064. Owner: National Bus Trader, Inc., Larry J. Plachno, 9698 W. Judson Road, Polo, Illinois 61064. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. Tax Status: Has not changed during the preceding 12 months. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Total No. Copies: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 6,921; Actual Number Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 6,900. Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1) Paid/ Requested Outside-County: Average: 4,387; Actual: 4,416. 2) Paid/Requested In-County: Average: 5; Actual: 5. 3) Paid distribution outside the mails: Average: 295; Actual 265. 4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail: Average: 67; Actual 53. Total paid distribution: Average: 4,754; Actual 4,739. Free or nominal rate distribution: 1) Outside County: Average: 2,009; Actual: 2,001. 2) In-county: Average: 0; Actual 0. 3) Mailed at other classes through the USPS: Average: 13; Actual: 11) Outside the mail: Average: 121; Actual: 109. Total free or nominal rate distribution: Average 2,143; Actual: 2,121. Total distribution: Average: 6,897; Actual: 6,860. Copies not distributed: Average: 24; Actual: 40. Total: Average: 6,921; Actual: 6,900. Percent Paid: Average: 68.93%; Actual: 69.08%. Paid Electronic Copies: Average: 1,418; Actual: 1,488. Total Paid Print Copies + Paid Electronic Copies: Average: 6,172; Actual: 6,227. Total Print Distribution + Paid Electronic Copies: Average: 8,315; Actual: 8,348. Percent Paid (Both Print + Electronic): Average: 74.23%; Actual: 74.59%. 30 • National Bus Trader / October, 2020
Advertiser’s Index
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Let’s get rolling!
Preparing for a better tomorrow, today. The country is moving closer to recovery, and MCI is dedicated to making sure you’re ready to move forward too. We have taken a close look at what we need to do today—including offering guidance, products and parts to help with cleaning, disinfecting and physical distancing. Meanwhile, our model line continues to evolve, with battery electric models on the way, and other innovations to keep your passengers happy and your total cost of operation low. As ever, our service and support network remains committed to keeping your equipment road-ready, with emergency roadside assistance and technical support available 24/7 at 800-241-2947. And just in case your drivers or technicians need to hone their skills, our online, ASE-accredited MCI Academy offers 550 courses, with certifications and special COVID-19 coursework available.
Together, we will stand strong—today, and down the road. Visit mcicoach.com to learn more.
National Bus Trader The Magazine of Bus Equipment for the United States and Canada
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Nancy and Larry