SEPTEMBER 2013
CONTENTS
20 busride.com
28 32 Cover Story Krystal moves forward
20
ElDorado National Kansas continues with quality improvements to the brand By David Hubbard
Features Small Bus Showcase
32
22
Presenting the unsung workhorses of the industry
Special Section
Veolia Transportation welcomes 188 drivers to the Million Mile Club
37
Overcoming battery charging imbalance
42
Spec’ing saves money Making the right tire choice will reduce costs over time By Aaron C. Murphy
By Brad Bisaillon
XL Hybrids adds small bus installations
46
A wheel’s shine is not skin-deep
By Bill Campbell
IHS recognizes Apollo Video Technology as global market leader
Know the pros and cons
Tires: Lease or buy?
48
24
Choosing the right chrome wheels means easier cleaning
The company addresses a market that stands to gain the most from hybrid-electric propulsion
Research report ranks Apollo Video as the top supplier to the transit bus market
22
The NHTSA on tire safety and maintenance
DEPARTMENTS 8 UPDATE 25
16 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 26
Try the penny test
Six ways tires save fuel
4
BUSRIDE | SE P T EMBER . 2013
49 MARKETPLACE COLUMNS
By Don Darden
IPA’s tire solutions can increase fuel economy and improve tire life
18 TOUR BUSINESS 38 TRANSIT AUTHORITY
28
Tires play a critical role in improving mileage
New tools mean more efficiency
14 Deliveries
6 30
FROM THE EDITOR
44 THE INTERNATIONAL REPORT
By Doug Jack busride.com