National Bus Trader The Magazine of Bus Equipment for the United States and Canada Volume XLVI,No. 6

N a t i o n a l B u s T r a d e r

The Magazine of Bus Equipment for the United States and Canada

address, and phone number are not included in word count Display advertising rates sent on request Advertising deadline is the fifteenth day of the 2nd preceding month unless otherwise indicated

Affiliations and Memberships: American Bus Association, The Bus History Association, Family Motor Coach Association, International B u s C o l l e c t o r s , N o r t h A m e r i c a n Tr a c k l e s s Tr o l l e y A s s o c i a t i o n , Motor Bus Society, Omnibus Socie t y o f A m e r i c a , To u r i s t R a i l w a y

States and Canada The contents of this publication m a y n o t b e re p ro d u c e d

MCI Celebrates 90 Years – Part One (by Larry Plachno) . . . . . . . . .

This is part one of a three-part historical series celebrating MCI’s 90th anniversary We start by covering events from the founding of the company in Winnipeg through the early Greyhound years and the arrival of the MC-7 and MC-6 around 1970.

The Impact of California’s Prop 22 Ruling & the Proposed U.S. Department of Labor Rule (by Matthew W . Daus, Esq.) . . . .

Here is an in-depth review of the current situation regarding drivers as independent contractors While this may or may not impact most bus operations, it often applies to related fields like limousines, Uber, Lyft and taxis.

Notes on Non-Profits Operating Vehicles (by Dave Millhouser) .

Bus industry pundit Dave Millhouser looks at the pros and cons of non-profits operating vehicles Can a non-profit operate an older coach as safely as a commercial bus company with professional drivers and service technicians?

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina . .

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has become one of the most popular destinations for bus groups. Here are several reasons why you might consider Myrtle Beach for one of your forthcoming bus trips.

The Boardwalk has become a popular feature at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is one of the reasons why bus groups consider this one of their favorite destinations For more information for bus groups at Myrtle Beach, see the article on page 37 VISIT

Equipment News

Australian-Based Kelsian Enters U.S. Market with Acquisition of All Aboard America Holdings

On March 15, Australian-based Kelsian filed with the United States Sur face Transportation Board (STB) to acquire All Aboard America Holdings (AAAHI), which includes All Aboard America, Hotard Coaches, Sun Diego Char ter, Ace Express Coaches, Lux Bus America and First Class Transportation The par ties anticipate the deal to officially close in June 2023, subject to approval by STB and other customary closing conditions

“ O v e r t h e p a s t s i x y e a r s , A A A H I h a s invested in our people, our safety culture and our technology to create a strong and stable f o u n d a t i o n f o r s i x o f t h e m o s t i m p re s s i v e motorcoach companies in the United States When we were looking for a new partner, we knew the best choice would be a company that recognizes the value of combined charter and contract operations, believes EV is the future and supports the independence of our local brands We are excited to work side-byside with the Kelsian team to grow our footprint, our customer base and our team in the USA,” said CEO Bill Timarco

T h e A A A H I a p p r o a c h t o m o t o r c o a c h operations directly aligns with the Kelsian

belief, “Our people are the best in the business, committed to providing our customers with brilliant experiences ever y time ” From the West Coast to the Mississippi, the AAAHI family of brands provides unmatched opportunities for team members to do great work and feel valued in their roles AAAHI customers appreciate the level of excellence the brands provide as they exceed expectations ever y day

Since Hotard Coaches and All Aboard America joined together in 2012, AAAHI has given generational family businesses and entrepreneurs a place to call home No one predicted the extraordinar y value of combining strong local brands with a large, cont i g u o u s , re g i o n a l n e t w o r k o f m o t o rc o a c h operators in the U S , but since 1989, Kelsian has been building a similar model with more than 25 brands operating ferries, buses and l i g h t r a i l i n A u s t r a l i a , U K a n d S i n g a p o re Once finalized, the deal will create one of the largest and most comprehensive managed transpor tation and logistics networks in the world

K e l s i a n G r o u p C E O C l i n t F e u e r h e r d t said: “We are thrilled to bring AAAHI into the Kelsian global platform Our businesses are highly complementar y, our operating por t-

folios span across multiple locations in the transpor t and tourism sectors and we both share the same commitment to maintaining h i g h s a f e t y s t a n d a rd s f o r o u r e m p l o y e e s and our customers ”

Kelsian believes in the AAAHI vision and will continue to suppor t, the team, invest in EV, expand contracts with current and new clients and provide market-leading char ter operations As the businesses look to the future, the U S -based operations will grow b y a d h e r i n g t o t h e i r s h a re d c o re v a l u e s : S a f e t y d r i v e s a l l d e c i s i o n s a n d w h e n y o u take care of your team, your team takes care of your customers, and the rest takes care of itself It is a good time to be in the business; it is a great time to be at AAAHI

All Aboard America Holdings (AAAHI) is the four th largest motorcoach operator in the United States with 1,000+ vehicles and 1,500+ team members operating in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, L o u i s i a n a a n d M i s s i s s i p p i S i n c e 2 0 1 2 , AAAHI’s marketing-leading regional brands include acquisitions of generational family businesses, including Hotard Coaches, All Aboard America, Sun Diego Char ters, Ace E x p re s s C o a c h e s , L u x B u s A m e r i c a a n d First Class Transpor tation

From the West Coast to the Mississippi, AAAHI serves a wide range of customers in charter operations, including university and professional athletics, military travel, corpor a t e p a r t n e r s , t o u r o p e r a t o r s a n d K - 1 2 schools They also have more than 20 major contracts with transit operators, construction projects and corporate commuter shuttles that anchor their local businesses

B y e m p o w e r i n g l o c a l l e a d e r s a n d respecting drivers, technicians and operations teams, AAAHI has a consistent focus on safety, technology and operational excellence that exceeds customer expectations ever y day

Kelsian is Australia’s largest integrated multi-modal transpor t provider and tourism operator with established bus operations in Singapore, London and the Channel Islands Kelsian provides essential journeys for cust o m e r s b y d e l i v e r i n g s a f e a n d i n t e l l i g e n t transport solutions designed to improve the sustainability and liveability of the communities served

Kelsian has more than 30 years experie n c e d e l i v e r i n g t o u r i s m a n d p a s s e n g e r transpor t services The group is a leader in

The Kelsian Group from Australia has applied to acquire All Aboard Holdings and related companies in the Southwest states. Kelsian is Australia’s largest integrated multi-modal transport and tourism operator with additional operations in Singapore, London and Channel Islands Included is All Aboard America, Hotard Coaches, Sun Diego Charter, Ace Express Coaches, Lux Bus America and First Class Transportation

sustainable public transport as the operator of Australia’s largest zero emission bus fleet and Australia’s largest electrified bus depot

A s o f D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 2 0 2 2 , K e l s i a n directly employs 9,223 people and operates 3,991 buses, 113 vessels and 24 light rail vehicles that delivered more than 257 million c u s t o m e r j o u r n e y s o v e r t h e l a s t y e a r Through its London bus joint venture, Kelsian is involved in employing a further 4,000 p e o p l e o p e r a t i n g 1 , 2 5 0 b u s e s , i n c l u d i n g 350 electric vehicles

Megabus and Indian Trails Par tner to Expand Bus Ser vice

Megabus, one of the largest bus companies in Nor th America, has announced a n e w p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h I n d i a n Tr a i l s , M i c h igan’s first and largest private bus transportation company

This par tnership will allow for expanded s e r v i c e o p t i o n s f o r 9 0 c i t i e s i n M i c h i g a n , Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois including t r i p s b e t w e e n A n n A r b o r a n d 2 0 c i t i e s , D e t r o i t a n d 2 3 c i t i e s , G r e e n B a y a n d 1 8 cities, Lansing and 20 cities and Milwaukee and 18 cities

“We are delighted to be expanding our service offerings once again in the Midwest,” s a i d C o l i n E m b e r s o n , V P c o m m e rc i a l f o r Megabus “This par tnership will allow us to expand travel oppor tunities for customers i n s o m e e x i s t i n g c i t i e s i n o u r n e t w o r k l i k e Detroit and Chicago while also welcoming customers in a plethora of new cities ”

“We look forward to our new partnership with Megabus and the continued expansion of our service network,” said Chad Cushman, president of Indian Trails “Our mutual customers will surely benefit from the added connections available by merging our two existing networks ”

Schedules are now available and tickets c a n b e p u r c h a s e d t o d a y f o r t r a v e l a t https://us megabus com/

Megabus offers city to city express bus service across North America Since launching in 2006, Megabus has served more than 50 million customers throughout more than 4 0 0 c i t i e s T h e s a f e t y o f i t s c u s t o m e r s i s Megabus’ top priority while also offering conv e n i e n t , c o s t - e ff e c t i v e s e r v i c e R e a l t i m e tracking is offered on the Megabus Web site, and customers can monitor their buses with live depar ture and arrival times Megabus is committed to providing eco-friendly travel and reducing the carbon footprint whenever p o s s i b l e M e g a b u s ’ b u s e s e m i t t h e l e a s t carbon dioxide per mile when compared to o t h e r v e h i c l e s a n d a re s e v e n t i m e s m o re e n e r g y a n d f u e l e f fi c i e n t t h a n s i n g l eoccupancy automobiles

Indian Trails, Inc has served as Michigan’s premier, family-owned, intercity motorcoach carrier for 113 years, and is based in O w o s s o , M i c h i g a n I t s d a i l y s c h e d u l e d routes extend throughout Michigan and into I l l i n o i s , W i s c o n s i n a n d M i n n e s o t a , w h i l e s e r v i n g 9 0 l o c a t i o n s t h ro u g h o u t t h e f o u rstate region In addition, its services include

Megabus has recently partnered with Indian Trails to expand service in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois Based in Owosso, Michigan, Indian Trails has been serving Michigan and surrounding states for 113 years and serves 90 locations in the four-state region The partnership provides for additional connections from Ann Arbor, Detroit, Green Bay, Lansing and Milwaukee

group char ters, the Michigan Flyer airpor t shuttle, the D2A2 Express Bus service, airport transfers and more Find us on the web at www IndianTrails com

MCBOA Announces Big Changes

Coming to the Association

T h e t e a m f ro m V B G ro u p M a r k e t i n g & Event Resources has been engaged to work with the Board of Directors to give Minnesota C h a r t e r B u s O p e r a t o r ’s A s s o c i a t i o n (MCBOA) a fresh look including a new Web site with an upgrade to a robust association management tool, as well as implementation o f a s o c i a l m e d i a s t r a t e g y I n a d d i t i o n , a s t h e B o a rd re a s s e s s w h i c h re s o u rc e s a re most vital to the members to help growth, V B G r o u p w i l l h e l p i m p l e m e n t n e w a p p r o a c h e s t o c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d engagement with its members

Some of the aspects that were attracting to working with VB Group are the combined 60+ years in the motorcoach industr y, their many years of experience with both national a n d s t a t e a s s o c i a t i o n s , a s w e l l a s t h e i r approach to giving private sector operators and associations a much-needed fresh start D e d i c a t e d t o b r i n g i n g a n e w p e r s p e c t i v e combined with their valuable experience, M C B O A i s p l e a s e d t o f o c u s i t s w o r k w i t h them on these targeted areas:

• Refreshed logo and graphic identity. M a n y t h a n k s t o M a r k P o l z i n a n d B u d g e t Tr u c k & A u t o f o r t h e c o n t r i b u t i o n o f t h e r e f r e s h e d l o g o d e s i g n T h i s n e w i m a g e , w h i l e r e fl e c t i n g a n u p d a t e d l o o k , a l s o embraces much of the histor y and legacy of the organization

• Targeted assessment of the members and their needs All the members –b o t h c u r r e n t a n d r e c e n t l y d o r m a n t – a r e being assessed to develop a profile of what is most valued and in what areas MCBOA should expand its services

• New Web site and association management system. The new Web site will give a refreshed “curb-appeal,” giving the image a more modern look that reflects the hard work and in-depth focus the group already has In addition, the new association management system will put more tools and resources at members’ fingertips, including online event registration, membership renewals, an online directory and membership profiles as well as online networking for all

• Expanded Communication. MCBOA will kick off its own social media presence Watch for the launch on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Please like and follow for the latest on all things MCBOA

Along with these foundational improvements, to better support the work of the lobNational Bus Trader / May, 2023 • 5

byist and amazing board of directors, memb e r s h i p i s e x p e c t e d t o b e e n h a n c e d a n d grow and thus the attendance at the MCBOA Annual Convention Planning is well underway Some exciting topics and ideas will be s h a r e d s o o n F o r n o w, s a v e t h e d a t e f o r November 7-8, 2023 in St Cloud, Minnesota

K n o w s o m e o n e w h o c a n b e n e fi t f r o m being a part of the MCBOA? An active memb e r s h i p d r i v e f o r 2 0 2 3 i s u n d e r w a y, s o p l e a s e re f e r a n y p o t e n t i a l m e m b e r s a n d connections to mforbord@sasbus com

The vision of the Minnesota Char ter Bus Operator’s Association, CMBOA, is to prov i d e s a f e a n d r e l i a b l e t r a n s p o r t a t i o n t o groups in and around Minnesota, as well as those groups coming into the great state of Minnesota Working together helps ensure safe transpor tation, educates owners and o p e r a t o r s a n d p ro m o t e s t h e m o t o rc o a c h industr y

MCBOA is dedicated to its members and to the safety of the passengers on all buses throughout the country MCBOA is proud to have been a strong supporter of the charter bus industry in Minnesota and is looking forw a rd t o t h e f u t u re t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n h a s i n store The board of directors and members work with local, state and federal officials and organizations to help keep up with the latest infor mation and trends that are being p a s s e d d o w n t h ro u g h o u t t h e c h a r t e r b u s industr y

With combined experience of more than 6 0 y e a r s i n t h e m o t o r c o a c h i n d u s t r y, V B Group Marketing & Event Resources primarily focus on providing marketing and event planning management to regional associations From Web site design to event planning and social media and communications management, marketing communication services are available as freelance outsourced services to tour, charter, limousine and related group transportation companies

T h e v i s i o n i s t o h e l p o r g a n i z a t i o n s strengthen member and customer relationships with solution-driven strategies that add value and help meet their goals For more information, go to www vbgmarketing com

MCI to Deliver 25 New Coaches to Peter Pan

M o t o r C o a c h I n d u s t r i e s ( M C I ) , a s u bs i d i a r y o f N F I G ro u p I n c ( N F I ) , a l e a d i n g independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in electric mass mobility solutions, on April 12 announced delivery plans for 25 new clean-diesel J4500 coaches to Peter Pan Bus Lines (Peter Pan) MCI delivered the first 10 motorcoaches to the iconic bus operator in Januar y 2023, spurring the order for 15 additional vehicles signed for at the American Bus Association’s Market-

Equipment News

place and BusWorld Nor th America held in Detroit, Michigan from Februar y 4-7, 2023

B a s e d i n S p r i n g fi e l d , M a s s a c h u s e t t s , P e t e r P a n i s o n e o f t h e l a r g e s t p r i v a t e l yowned bus companies in the United States, operating a fleet of more than 200 coaches and delivering more than 1,000 daily departures to more than 100 destinations across the Nor theast and Mid-Atlantic States

T h i s a n n o u n c e m e n t c o i n c i d e s w i t h a significant milestone for both companies –celebration of their 90th anniversar y Peter P a n a n d M C I w e re b o t h f o u n d e d i n 1 9 3 3 a n d h a v e s u p p o r t e d o n e a n o t h e r f o r h a l f a c e n t u r y

“ We a re t r u e - b l u e M C I , ” s a i d P e t e r A Picknelly, CEO and third-generation owner o f P e t e r P a n , o n e o f t h e i n d u s t r y ’s m o s t prominent family-owned motorcoach companies “We star ted with the MC-8 in 1974, a n d s i n c e t h e 1 9 8 0 s , o u r fl e e t h a s b e e n exclusively MCI ”

Peter Pan, a scheduled service and charter company, was among the first operators t o b u y t h e p o p u l a r D L m o d e l w h e n i t w a s introduced in 1993 When MCI launched the a l l - n e w J 4 5 0 0 i n 2 0 0 1 , P e t e r P a n w a s t h e fi r s t o p e r a t o r t o p l a c e a 1 2 - c o a c h o r d e r Peter Pan has counted on MCI’s reliability since placing an annual order for new vehic l e s , w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n o f t h e C O V I D - 1 9 pandemic period in 2020 and 2021

“MCI is a real workhorse,” added Picknelly “The J4500 is great for our line runs, a n d o u r c h a r t e r c u s t o m e r s e n j o y i t s c u r b appeal and spacious interior MCI has been a good par tner We are pleased with their service and access to par ts ”

T h e n e w m o t o rc o a c h e s a re e q u i p p e d w i t h a d v a n c e d s a f e t y f e a t u r e s , m o d e r n a m e n i t i e s a n d e c o - f r i e n d l y t e c h n o l o g y, demonstrating MCI’s commitment to innovation and sustainability Peter Pan’s passengers will enjoy a comfortable and enjoya b l e t r a v e l e x p e r i e n c e o n b o a r d t h e s t a t e - o f - t h e - a r t m o t o rc o a c h e s , f e a t u r i n g Peter Pan’s signature interiors and 54-passenger seating configuration, providing a luxurious interior with best-in-class legroom

“Our productive par tnership with Peter Pan spans a half-century; over this time, MCI ear ned Peter Pan’s trust and confidence in the reliability of our vehicles, backed up by excellent service and aftermarket support,” said Brent Maitland, vice president of MCI P r i v a t e S e c t o r S a l e s a n d M a r k e t i n g “ O u r J4500 coach has gone through several evolutions since its market launch, and feedback from Peter Pan has been instrumental to MCI’s continuous improvement The Peter Pan team strives to upgrade its fleet with the newest and the best vehicles, but not at the expense of reliability ”

“As MCI nears 100 years in the industr y, we will keep our J4500 at the forefront of our product portfolio while offering reliable support to help operators like Peter Pan continue to be industr y leaders,” added Maitland

I n a d d i t i o n t o P e t e r P a n ’s r e c e n t announcement of management promotions, Peter A Picknelly and the late Tom Picknelly have four of their children (the four th generation) actively involved in operations Each generation brings its unique talents to Peter Pan Recent advancements include digital technology, with nearly 85 percent of all ticke t i n g a n d c h a r t e r s a l e s n o w t r a n s a c t e d online

MCI will deliver 25 new coaches to Peter Pan Bus Lines in Springfield, Massachusetts Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, Peter Pan is now moving into its fourth generation of family management Both MCI and Peter Pan Bus Lines are celebrating their 90th anniversary this year

MCI is North America’s public and private market motorcoach leader Products include the luxur y J Series (an industr y best-seller f o r m o r e t h a n a d e c a d e ) , t h e w o r k h o r s e D-Series and the brand new zero-emission luxury and commuter coaches: the batterye l e c t r i c J 4 5 0 0 C H A R G E ™ , D 4 5 C R T CHARGE™ and D45 CRT LE CHARGE™ MCI also provides maintenance, repair, 24hour roadside assistance, parts and technician training through the industry’s only Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited and award-winning MCI Academy

Equipment News

Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI is leading the electrification of mass mobility around the world With zeroemission buses and coaches, infrastructure a n d t e c h n o l o g y, N F I m e e t s t o d a y ’s u r b a n demands for scalable smar t mobility solutions Together, NFI is enabling more livable c i t i e s t h ro u g h c o n n e c t e d , c l e a n a n d s u stainable transpor tation

With 7,700 team members in nine countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the

New Flyer helped Long

B e a c h Tr a n s i t a t i t s r e c e n t 6 0 t h a n n i v e rsary celebration Long B e a c h Tr a n s i t announced they were p u r c h a s i n g 2 0 z e r oe m i s s i o n X c e l s i o r CHARGE® buses and related infrastructure from NFI Long Beach h a s p u r c h a s e d m o r e t h a n 3 1 0 b u s e s f r o m N e w F l y e r o v e r t h e years

b r a n d s N e w F l y e r ® ( h e a v y - d u t y t r a n s i t buses), MCI® (motorcoaches), Alexander

D e n n i s L i m i t e d ( s i n g l e - a n d d o u b l e - d e c k buses), Plaxton (motorcoaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses) a n d N F I P a r t s ™ N F I c u r re n t l y o ff e r s t h e widest range of sustainable drive systems available including zero-emission electric (trolley, batter y and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid and clean diesel In total NFI s u p p o r t s i t s i n s t a l l e d b a s e o f m o r e t h a n

1 0 0 , 0 0 0 b u s e s a n d c o a c h e s a ro u n d t h e world

New Flyer Celebrates Long Beach at its 60-Year Anniversar y Celebration

O n M a rc h 3 1 , D i re c t o r N a t i o n a l S a l e s , N e w F l y e r a n d M C I , M a r k F i s h e r, j o i n e d L o n g B e a c h , C a l i f o r n i a c i t y o f f i c i a l s , i n c l u d i n g M a y o r R e x R i c h a rd s o n , t o c e le b r a t e t h e a g e n c y ’s 6 0 y e a r s o f s e r v i c e D u r i n g t h e c e re m o n y, L o n g B e a c h Tr a n s i t (LBT) shared the agency’s vision of a sust a i n a b l e f u t u re

F o l l o w i n g t h e e v e n t , o n A p r i l 5 L o n g Beach Transit announced the purchase of 20 zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE® buses and charging infrastructure from NFI Infras t r u c t u re S o l u t i o n s ™ t o s u p p o r t b a t t e r yelectric bus deployment

Equipment News

Trans-Bridge Lines began offering reservations on its Doylestown/Flemington route on April 3. Other routes are expected to be added to the reservation system in the near future Trans-Bridge indicated that the reservation-based system is a natural progression in ensuing a seamless passenger experience for passengers

President, North American Bus and Coach, N F I C h r i s S t o d d a r t , s a i d : “ W e c e l e b r a t e another ;major milestone in Long Beach Transit’s zero-emission jour ney – installation of charging infrastructure from NFI Infrastructure Solutions to support the agency’s goal of converting its fleet to zero-emissions by 2030 For more than 30 years, NFI has partnered with Long Beach Transit to provide innovative, reliable and safe transportation with more than 310 New Flyer buses delivered Together, we’re building healthier and more livable communities across California ”

Trans-Bridge Lines Begins Reser vations

Trans-Bridge Lines, the Lehigh Valley’s p r e m i e r m o t o r c o a c h c o m p a n y, h a s

a n n o u n c e d i t i s o f f e r i n g a r e s e r v a t i o n e x p e r i e n c e o n i t s D o y l e s t o w n / F l e m i n g t o n ro u t e s A l l t r i p s w i l l o ff e r p a s s e n g e r s c o nf i r m e d b u s r u n s f o r t h e t r a v e l d a t e a n d t i m e b o o k e d

“We are excited to take this next step forward for our passengers and our company,” s a y s J i m J e B r a n , e x e c u t i v e v i c e president/treasurer of Trans-Bridge Lines “We began offering online ticketing in June 2022, and this next transition to a reservation-based system is natural progression in ensuring a seamless passenger experience Reservations will give our riders the peace of mind that they are confirmed for the route they intend to utilize ”

New Flyer recently displayed its zero-emission, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ bus at the Washington State Transit Association’s Spring Maintenance forum in Tulalip, Washington The bus was provided by King County Metro, the transit provider in the Seattle area Forum attendees were invited to experience the high-performance Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ firsthand

Trans-Bridge Lines will transition to reserv a t i o n s b e g i n n i n g w i t h t h e i r Doylestown/Flemington schedules before incorporating their Wall Street, Newark Airpor t and Allentown/Clinton routes

In addition to confirmed seating, the comp a n y c o n t i n u e s t o w o r k c l o s e l y w i t h t h e i r technology vendor to provide augmented features for easy online ticketing, as well as Apple and Google Wallet capability for quick access to boarding passes

“Our passengers have complete control i n m a n a g i n g t h e i r a c c o u n t s a n d re s e r v ations They have the ability to store their paym e n t m e t h o d s , f a v o r i t e t r a v e l e d r u n s f o r quick repurchasing and flexibility in changi n g o r m o d i f y i n g t r a v e l W e w i l l a l s o b e accommodating with our passengers during this transition, working with them to answer a n y q u e s t i o n s a n d c o n c e r n s I n a d d i t i o n , we will have members of our management team onboard the Doylestown/Flemington route to assist passengers in any way they need,” says JeBran

F o r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n o n Tr a n s - B r i d g e L i n e s , v i s i t t h e c o m p a n y ’s W e b s i t e a t www transbridgelines com

NFI’s EV on Display in Washington

Recently, NFI displayed New Flyer’s zeroemission, battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ bus, provided by King County Metro, at the Washington State Transit Association’s Spring Maintenance Forum in Tulalip, Washington

N e w F l y e r a n d M C I ’s D e r e k W h i t e , regional sales manager, welcomed forum a t t e n d e e s t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e h i g hper for mance Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ firsthand, sharing technology innovations pow-

ering Nor th America’s most advanced batter y-electric bus

CVSA’s 2023 Out-of-Ser vice Criteria Now in Effect

Star ting April 1 the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 2023 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria are now i n e ff e c t T h e 2 0 2 3 o u t - o f - s e r v i c e c r i t e r i a replace and supersede all previous versions

CVSA/s Nor th American Standard Outof-Service Criteria ensure unifor mity, consistency and reciprocity among the states, p r o v i n c e s , t e r r i t o r i e s a n d c o u n t r i e s a n d determine whether or not drivers or vehicles present an imminent hazard and should be placed out of service The federal regulations, together with CVSA’s out-of-service criteria, provide the standards that drivers, motor carriers and law enforcement personnel use to ensure the commercial motor vehicles and drivers operating on Nor th America’s roadways are safe and compliant

T h e v o t i n g m e m b e r s o f t h e A l l i a n c e approved nine changes to the out-of-service criteria, which are now in effect In accordance with the CVSA Bylaws, the proposed changes were communicated to the voting m e m b e r s o f t h e A l l i a n c e o n O c t o b e r 1 0 , 2022, and ratified on October 21, 2022 The out-of-service criteria are updated annually, effective April 1 of each year

The following changes were made to the out-of-service criteria:

1 A section of the paragraph in Par t I, I t e m 4 D R I V E R M E D I C A L / P H Y S I C A L

R E Q U I R E M E N T S – b M e d i c a l C e r t i fi c a t e (4) was removed to provide more clarity

2 Par t I, Item 7 DRUGS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES – b Shall Not be Under the Influence was amended to add language for use within the previous 24 hours

3 P a r t I , I t e m 9 U S / I t e m 1 0

C A N A D A / I t e m 1 1 M E X I C O – D R I V E R ’ S RECORD OF DUTY STATUS was amended to clarify the out-of-service condition for a false record of duty status

4 Part I, Item 9 DRIVER’S RECORD OF D U T Y S TAT U S – U S – F o o t n o t e 1 0 w a s amended to clarify that a driver is not outof-service for not being able to print or sign their record of duty status

5 The severity of rust required on a rotor to be included in the 20 percent brake criterion was clarified in Par t II, Item 1 BRAKE SYSTEMS – a Defective Brakes, (6) Air Disc Brakes (d), (7) Hydraulic and Electric Brakes (e) and b Front Steering Axle(s) Brakes, (3) Air Disc Brakes (e), (4) Hydraulic Brakes (e)

6 P a r t I I , I t e m 2 C A R G O S E C U R EMENT – e (3) and f NOTE was amended to clarify that there is nothing in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or National S a f e t y C o d e S t a n d a r d 1 0 d i c t a t i n g t h e placement of tiedowns on cargo

7 “To Be On” was added to the title of Par t II, Item 9 LIGHTING DEVICES (Headlamps, Tail Lamps, Stop Lamps, Turn Signals a

a d s ) , a When Light are Required

8 Clarifying language for spring hangers and equalizers was added to Part II, Item 11 SUSPENSION – d Suspension Connecting Rod and Tracking Component Assembly

9 A diagram was added to Par t II, Item 11 SUSPENSION – d Suspension Connecting Rod and Tracking Component Assembly for further clarification of parts and how they apply to the out-of-service criteria

These changes have been incorporated i n t o N o r t h A m e r i c a n S t a n d a rd I n s p e c t i o n P r o g r a m t r a i n i n g m a t e r i a l s , a l o n g w i t h u p d a t e d i n s p e c t i o n b u l l e t i n s , i n s p e c t i o n procedures, operational policies and training videos

T h e re a re s e v e r a l v e r s i o n s ( e g , p r i n t , electronic, other languages, etc ) of the 2023 out-of-service criteria available for purchase t h ro u g h t h e C V S A o n l i n e s t o re T h e 2 0 2 3 out-of-service criteria are also available for p u r c h a s e i n C V S A’s a p p b y s e a r c h i n g “CVSA Out-of-Service Criteria” in the App Store or Google Play

I m p o r t a n t N o t e : T h e r e i s a n e r r o r o n page 8 of the spiral-bound “North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria Handbook and Pictorial ” The affected section is Par t I, Section 9 DRIVER’S RECORD OF DUTY

S TAT U S – U S , a P R O P E RT Y- C A R RY I N G VEHICLES, (6) False Record of Duty Status –Qualifying Rest Break To correct this mis-

p r i n t , a l l c o p i e s o f t h e h a n d b o o k w i l l b e shipped with a letter outlining the error along with a sticker with corrected language that may be placed over the error The handbook is the only version affected; all other versions of the out-of-service criteria, including the a p p , a r e c o r r e c t W e a p o l o g i z e f o r a n y inconvenience this may cause

CVSA hosted a webinar in Januar y outlining the changes to the out-of-service crit e r i a T h e w e b i n a r i s a v a i l a b l e t o C V S A members through their CVSA member port a l O n c e l o g g e d i n , c l i c k o n t h e C V S A Lear ning tab, then click on “Roadside” to view the webinar

For questions about the criteria, contact CVSA Director of Inspection Programs Kerri Wirachowsky at (202) 998-1650

Megabus and Burlington Trailways

Par tner to Expand Bus Ser vice

Megabus, one of the largest bus companies in Nor th America, has announced a new par tnership with Burlington Trailways, a premier transpor tation company serving the Midwest

This par tnership will allow for expanded service options for 48 cities including trips between Chicago and 12 cities, Denver and 2 2 c i t i e s , D e s M o i n e s a n d 3 3 c i t i e s , I o w a City and 20 cities, Indianapolis and 22 cities and Saint Louis and 11 cities

“This partnership will offer robust expansion opportunities in the Midwest,” said Colin E m b e r s o n , V P c o m m e rc i a l f o r M e g a b u s “Creating the oppor tunity for customers to

Megabus and Burlington Trailways have partnered to expand bus service from several Midwest cities Expanded service will be offered from Chicago, Denver, Des Moines, Iowa City, Indianapolis and St Louis Schedules are already available and joint tickets have been available

travel as far west as Denver is par ticularly exciting We’re proud to be able to offer customers new convenient travel options ”

“ We ’ re e x c i t e d a b o u t t h i s n e w v e n t u re a n d p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h M e g a b u s , a n d t h e t r a v e l o p p o r t u n i t i e s i t w i l l b r i n g t o c u stomers,” said Mark Moore, general manager of Burlington Trailways “Safety, dependability and great service are all ver y impor tant to our brand and business and we couldn’t have asked for a better company to partner with ”

Schedules are now available and tickets c a n b e p u r c h a s e d f o r t r a v e l a t https://us megabus com/

Megabus offers city to city express bus service across North America Since launching in 2006, Megabus has served more than 50 million customers throughout more than 2 8 0 c i t i e s T h e s a f e t y o f i t s c u s t o m e r s i s Megabus’ top priority while also offering conv e n i e n t , c o s t - e ff e c t i v e s e r v i c e R e a l t i m e tracking is offered on the Megabus Web site, and customers can monitor their buses with live depar ture and arrival times Megabus is committed to providing eco-friendly travel and reducing the carbon footprint whenever p o s s i b l e M e g a b u s ’ b u s e s e m i t t h e l e a s t carbon dioxide per mile when compared to o t h e r v e h i c l e s a n d a re s e v e n t i m e s m o re e n e r g y a n d f u e l e f fi c i e n t t h a n s i n g l eoccupancy automobiles

B u r l i n g t o n Tr a i l w a y s o ff e r s a ff o rd a b l e intercity bus services across the Midwest providing daily transpor tation to more than 50 cities in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska Founded in 1929, Burlington Trailways is trusted by the trave l i n g p u b l i c f o r t h e w e l l - k n o w n Tr a i l w a y s brand and its consistency in the commitment to the safety and security of the passengers Burlington Trailways is a favorite among trave l e r s b e c a u s e o f t h e a m e n i t i e s i n c l u d i n g comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi and power outlets at ever y seat

Equipment News

Nova Bus to Provide Five LFSe+ Batter y-Electric Buses to Washington

Nova Bus, a member of the Volvo Group and a leading Nor th American transit bus manufacturer, has announced it has been awarded a contract for five LFSe+, the 40foot, long-range, battery-electric bus model of Nova Bus by the Washington Metropolitan A re a

ro ) T h e s e fi v e LFSe+ buses will be assembled at the Nova Bus facility in Plattsburgh, New York State and will be par t of Metro’s Batter y-Electric Bus Test and Evaluation program

This electric bus pilot program is a key milestone towards achieving Metro’s zeroemission bus goals that include phased conversion of its fleet of more than 1,500 buses to a 100 percent zero-emission bus fleet by 2045, with an interim goal of all new buses e n t e r i n g s e r v i c e b e i n g z e ro - e m i s s i o n b y 2030 The five Nova Bus LFSe+ buses will allow Metro to collect data and build knowledge on electric bus operations to infor m scaling of its transition plan

With an electric drive motor, coupled with BAE Systems’ next-generation power electronics focused on efficiency, the Nova Bus L F S e + l o n g - r a n g e e l e c t r i c b u s p ro v i d e s reduced maintenance costs and improves air quality by eliminating all emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases The LFSe+ is the per fect pairing of Nova Bus’ proven expertise with the latest innovations in clean and sustainable technologies, making it a first-choice solution for the transition to sustainable public transpor t

“ E v e r y s u c h o r d e r f o r t h e N o v a B u s LFSe+ is a major strategic win, demonstrating the performance and quality of this innov a t i v e v e h i c l e i n y e t a n o t h e r m a j o r m e t ro region,” said Garr y Douglas, president of the Nor th Countr y Chamber of Commerce

“It is especially welcome that these buses, c r a f t e d b y o u r g r e a t w o r k f o r c e i n P l a t t sburgh, New York, will be seen on the streets

of our nation’s capital It’s another step into a bright future for our region’s transportation e q u i p m e n t m a k e r s C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o e v e r y o n e a t N o v a B u s a n d t o M e t ro f o r a great decision Onward and upward

“We are absolutely thrilled that Metro will be integrating the Nova Bus LFSe+ into its electric bus pilot program,” said Ralph Acs, president of Nova Bus “We are also happy that these buses will be operating in federal Opportunity Zones, as low-income communities are the ones that will benefit the most from this transition to clean, quiet and reliable electric buses We are excited for Metro to experience the LFSe+ and to work with the team to support the agency’s successful transition to a zero-emission bus fleet ”

CAVFor th Autonomous Bus Service Launches in May with Alexander Dennis Buses

A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s , a s u b s i d i a r y o f N F I Group Inc , one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, on April 4 announced that the CAVForth autonomous bus service in East Scotland will begin on May 15, 2023, using five Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV buses

This follows the successful completion of an extensive testing program and registration of the bus service by Stagecoach, t h e U K ’s l a r g e s t b u s a n d c o a c h o p e r a t o r C AV F o r t h i s a j o i n t p ro j e c t o f F u s i o n P rocessing Ltd , Stagecoach, Alexander Dennis, Transpor t Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University and Bristol Robotics Lab which is part funded by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles It is one of the most complex projects of its kind worldwide and will be the first registered s e r v i c e i n t h e U K t o u s e f u l l - s i z e d autonomous buses

A fl e e t o f fi v e A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s Enviro200AV vehicles will cover a 14-mile r o u t e i n m i x e d t r a f fi c a t u p t o 5 0 m p h across the iconic For th Road Bridge near Edinburgh The service will operate a frequent timetable with the capacity for around 10,000 journeys per week and will have two members of staff on board One safety driver in the driver’s seat to monitor the technology and a “captain” in the saloon to take tickets and answer customers’ questions

Scotland’s Minister for Transpor t Kevin Stewar t said: “This is an exciting milestone f o r t h i s i n n o v a t i v e a n d a m b i t i o u s p ro j e c t , and I very much look forward to seeing Project CAVForth take to the roads next month O u r t r u n k ro a d n e t w o r k c a n p ro v i d e w i d e range of environments as a diverse testing ground, and the groundbreaking and globally significant Project CAVFor th will really help Scotland establish its credentials on the world stage ”

Equipment News

J a m i e W i l s o n , h e a d o f c o n c e p t s & Advanced Engineering at Alexander Denn i s , s a i d : “ T h i s i s a t h r i l l i n g m i l e s t o n e f o r t h i s a m b i t i o u s p r o j e c t w h i c h w e a r e d e l i g h t e d t o b e d e l i v e r i n g w i t h o u r p a r tners Our Enviro200AV autonomous buses w i l l d e m o n s t r a t e l a t e s t i n n o v a t i o n i n v e h ic l e t e c h n o l o g y, a n d w e a re d e l i g h t e d t h a t p a s s e n g e r s t r a v e l i n g b e t w e e n F i f e a n d E d i n b u r g h w i l l b e a b l e t o e x p e r i e n c e t h i s for themselves when the service launches n e x t m o n t h ”

C a r l a S t o c k t o n - J o n e s , U K m a n a g i n g d i r e c t o r f o r S t a g e c o a c h , s a i d : “ W e a r e e x c i t e d t o i n t r o d u c e t h e U K ’s f i r s t a u t o n o m o u s b u s f l e e t i n E a s t S c o t l a n d w h i c h i s a l s o h o m e t o o u r h e a d q u a r t e r s a n d w h e re i t a l l b e g a n o v e r 4 0 y e a r s a g o

We a re p ro u d t o b e p a r t o f t h i s i n n o v a t i v e p ro j e c t a n d m a r k s a s i g n i f i c a n t m i l e s t o n e f o r p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a n d l o o k f o r w a r d t o welcoming our customers on board in the c o m i n g m o n t h s ”

Van Hool Delivers the First Double-Decker with 100 Seats in Belgium to M.G. Cars

Van Hool, the Belgian independent bus, coach and industrial vehicle manufacturer, is supplying a Van Hool TDX27 Astromega to M G Cars in lttre This is a first for Belgium: the ver y first double-decker with as many as 100 seats (98 passengers + one guide + one driver)

By improving capacity, this vehicle is particularly suited to short- and medium-length j o u r n e y s T h e i n c r e a s e d c a p a c i t y a l s o

e n s u r e s t h a t o n e v e h i c l e i s a d e q u a t e t o transpor t a large group of people, without compromising on seat comfort or leg room Plus, fewer vehicles on the road offer ecol o g i c a l a d v a n t a g e s t h a n k s t o f e w e r e m i ssions, and economic advantages thanks to less diesel consumption At the same time, this will help to overcome the severe shor tage of bus drivers in the sector

Van Hool has turned some heads by delivering a double-deck coach with 100 seats The TDX27 Astromega has seats for 98 passengers plus a tour guide and a driver and will go to M G cars in Belgium Van Hool double-deck coaches are available in the United States through ABC Companies

The large capacity for passengers makes this an excellent vehicle for groups, schools, s o c i e t i e s a n d c o m p a n i e s w i t h t h e a d d e d practical advantage that the group can stay together in one vehicle during the jour ney and only one coach parking space is quired

To offer passengers the highest level of c o m f o r t w h i l e t h e y t r a v e l , t h i s Va n H o o l T D X 2 7 A s t ro m e g a h a s b e e n fi t t e d w i t h a p o w e r f u l 5 3 0 P K D A F e n g i n e ( 3 9 0 k W ) i n c o m b i n a t i o n w i t h a Z F Tr a x o n a u t o m a t i c transmission

Van Hool is an independent bus, coach and industrial vehicle manufacturer, based in Koningshooikt (Belgium) The company was founded in 1947 The vast majority of their products are destined for Europe and N o r t h A m e r i c a Va n H o o l h a s m o r e t h a n 3,500 employees worldwide, with most of them based at its production sites in Koningshooikt (Belgium) and Skopje (nor ther n Macedonia)

M G Cars was founded in 1987 and is mainly active in pupil transport for the intern a t i o n a l s c h o o l s i n B r u s s e l s a n d t h e s u rrounding areas

Lar ge-Scale Batter y Refurbishment for Project Anubis Successfully Completed

V D L B u s & C o a c h re c e n t l y c o m p l e t e d Europe’s first large-scale batter y refurbishment project For ty-three buses operated by Her mes, par t of Transdev Netherlands,

The much-anticipated CAVForth Autonomous Bus Service in East Scotland will begin on May 15 Five Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV buses will be used on the route Many in the industry are watching this operation closely since it will be the first autonomous bus operation with big buses on conventional roads The 14-mile route includes some mixed traffic as well as crossing the Forth Road Bridge near Edinburgh

which went into service at the end of 2016, were fitted with completely new and much l a r g e r b a t t e r y p a c k s o v e r t h e p a s t y e a r, bringing the buses back up to date in terms of their equipment The old batteries will be used within project “Anubis” in cooperation with RWE in a stationar y application in the power grid

Brabant’s public transport company Hermes took 43 electric, 18-meter buses into service at the end of 2016, instantly having the largest electric bus fleet in Europe This w a s a n i m p o r t a n t s t e p i n m a k i n g p u b l i c transpor t in the Netherlands more sustaina b l e T h e p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t s e c t o r h a s lear ned a lot from the deployment of these z e ro - e m i s s i o n b u s e s i n a n d a ro u n d E i n dhoven After more than six years, the firstg e n e r a t i o n b a t t e r i e s h a v e n o w b e e n replaced by a new generation, significantly increasing the range of the buses

The per for mance of the initial batteries had declined after six years due to the intensive use of the buses, which can be comp a r e d t o a p a s s e n g e r c a r h a v i n g d r i v e n 1,750,000 km in six years In other words, the buses and batteries performed very well

Now, six years after commissioning, the d e c l i n e i n b a t t e r y p e r f o r m a n c e w o u l d r e d u c e t h e r a n g e o f t h e b u s e s , t h e r e b y failing to ensure efficient operation It was, therefore, decided to replace the batteries

T h i s c o m p l e t e d a n a t u r a l , c a l c u l a t e d a n d c a re f u l l y m o n i t o re d p ro c e s s T h e o l d b a t -

Equipment News

t e r i e s h a v e n o t y e t b e e n re c y c l e d , b u t a re u s e d i n a s t a t i o n a r y a p p l i c a t i o n i n t h e p o w e r g r i d i n p ro j e c t “ A n u b i s ” i n c o o p e ra t i o n w i t h RW E

The decision was made to replace the original battery pack with a completely new system with almost double the capacity, up from 180 kWh to 350 kWh This is made poss i b l e b y u s i n g t h e l a t e s t b a t t e r y d e v e l o pments The result is a significantly greater r a n g e , a l l o w i n g t h i s u p g r a d e t o b e e v e n more flexible for dealing with the planned charging times Thus, the 43 buses, which have now collectively driven more than 18 million kilometers, are once again up to date and ready to provide zero-emission urban transport in Eindhoven in the years to come

Martijn Mentink, managing director Hermes: “In 2016, Her mes led the way with the introduction of 43 18-meter zero-emission b u s e s W e a r e p r o u d t o n o w b e t a k i n g another big step forwards in our greening strategy Because we need fewer charging cycles for our buses, we can use them on more lines This will allow more travelers to e x p e r i e n c e t h e c o m f o r t o f t h e s e e l e c t r i c b u s e s a n d , o f c o u r s e , w e a r e e x t r e m e l y happy about that ”

The conversion to the new battery system is a first in the transition to sustainable public transport and underlines VDL Bus & Coach’s ambition to always offer customers an optimal solution By conver ting to the new battery system, the now six-year-old buses are

VDl Bus and Coach recently completed Europe’s first large-scale battery refurbishment in conjunction with project Anubis. Answering the question of what do you do with old batteries from battery-electric buses, this project recycled batteries from 43 electric buses to a stationary application in the power grid Meanwhile, the 59-foot articulated buses were given new and improved batteries and are back on the road transporting passengers

again state-of-the-art, which the new buses to be delivered in 2023 will also be The initial b a t t e r i e s w e re d e p l o y e d i n c o l l a b o r a t i o n with RWE in a second-life energy storage application in Moerdijk This optimizes the sustainable use chain, fur ther delays recycling and maximizes batter y use

The conversion of the buses came about in collaboration between several VDL companies and was carried out by VDL Special Ve h i c l e s i n E i n d h o v e n Ve l d h o v e n - b a s e d VDL Parts played a central role in supplying the necessary conversion parts and battery systems

With this refurbishment project at Hermes in Eindhoven, VDL’s ambition to be a forerunner in technological developments has o n c e a g a i n b e e n g i v e n c o n c re t e f o r m I n addition, VDL will show how real measures are taken to optimize the customers’ opera t i o n a l c a p a b i l i t i e s , i n c l u d i n g d u r i n g t h e bus’s lifetime

Alexander Dennis Completes

Deliver y of 74 Low-Emission

Buses to Arriva UK Bus

A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s , a s u b s i d i a r y o f N F I Group Inc , one of the world’s leading indep e n d e n t g l o b a l b u s m a n u f a c t u r e r s , o n March 21 announced that it has completed the deliver y of 74 Enviro400 and Enviro200 low-emission buses to Arriva UK Bus, par t of Deutsche Bahn group

For ty-seven Enviro400 double-deckers a n d 2 7 E n v i r o 2 0 0 s i n g l e - d e c k e r s w e r e d e l i v e r e d i n b a t c h e s b e t w e e n s u m m e r 2 0 2 2 a n d e a r l y 2 0 2 3 A l l a r e fi t t e d w i t h Alexander Dennis’s award-winning Smar tPack efficiency technology to reduce carb o n a n d n o x i o u s e m i s s i o n s , b e n e fi t t i n g l o c a l a i r q u a l i t y

Each of the 10 5-meter long (34 5 feet) a n d 4 2 - m e t e r ( 1 3 7 8 f e e t ) t a l l d o u b l ed e c k e r s s e a t s u p t o 7 3 p a s s e n g e r s t h e s i n g l e - d e c k e r s h a v e b e e n b u i l t t o t w o lengths, 8 9 meters with up to 30 seats and 10 8 meters with 41 seats All have easily accessible wheelchair spaces as well as a separate area to accommodate pushchairs

T h e E n v i ro 4 0 0 h a v e b e e n a l l o c a t e d t o Arriva Nor th East at Ashington and Arriva M i d l a n d s a t T h u r m a s t o n n e a r L e i c e s t e r, while the Enviro200 are split between these t w o o p e r a t i n g u n i t s a n d A r r i v a S o u t h e r n Counties at Gillingham in Kent, benefitting passengers on their networks

Alexander Dennis Commercial Manager M a r k B a l l a m c o m m e n t s : “ We a p p re c i a t e Arriva’s investment in British-built buses from A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s W i t h t h e s e b r a n d n e w l o w - e m i s s i o n b u s e s , A r r i v a c o n t i n u e s t o upgrade its fleet and reduce its environmenNational Bus Trader / May, 2023 • 13

Equipment News

t a l i m p a c t , m a k i n g b u s t r a v e l a n e v e n greener choice for passengers With their p ro v e n d e s i g n a n d o p e r a t i o n a l fl e x i b i l i t y, Arriva’s new Enviro400 double-deckers and Enviro200 single-deckers are sure to be reliable per for mers for many years to come ”

A n d y W h i t e h o u s e , e n g i n e e r i n g a n d safety director at Arriva UK Bus, comments: “To improve our customers’ experience, we have and will continue to improve our fleet with more modern, reliable and lower emission vehicles We enjoy a good working partn e r s h i p w i t h A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s w h o h a v e s u c c e s s f u l l y d e l i v e r e d 7 4 l o w - e m i s s i o n buses, all of which are now out in service ”

Van Hool Builds 54 Batter y Buses for Qbuzz (Groningen and Drenthe, Netherlands)

Van Hool, an independent manufacturer of buses, coaches and industrial vehicles, has signed a contract with Qbuzz (Netherlands) for the supply of 54 batter y-electric b u s e s o f t h e m o d e l Va n H o o l A 1 5 L E E T h e s e b u s e s w i l l b e u s e d b y Q b u z z f o r r e g i o n a l p a s s e n g e r t r a n s p o r t i n t h e provinces of Groningen and Drenthe as from the last quar ter of 2024

F i l i p Va n H o o l C E O a t Va n H o o l : “ T h i s order confir ms the confidence Qbuzz has in Van Hool Qbuzz previously ordered nine Van Hool Astromega TDX27 double-decker and 30 hydrogen buses for use in regular passenger transpor t This order is another i m p o r t a n t b e n c h m a r k f o r Va n H o o l a n d i s undeniable proof of the technological knowl-

Arriva UK Bus recently received 74 new low-emission buses form Alexander Dennis Included were 47 Enviro400 double-deck buses and 27 Enviro200 single-deckers. The buses were delivered in batches between the summer of 2022 and early 2023

edge center we have built up here in Koningshooikt (Lier) over the years Continuous investment is made in research and development of new products We build the prototypes, pre-series and high-value-added vehicles here, and these are almost always tailor-made to the customer’s requirements We are delighted to contribute to the further

Van Hool recently signed a contract to build 54 battery-electric buses for QBuzz They will be used for passenger transport in Groningen and Drenthe in Netherlands The buses will be 15 meters (49 feet) in length, will seat 55 passengers and because of the longer distances they will travel, they are equipped with coach seats, USB charging points, footrests and folding tables

greening of Qbuzz’s bus fleet in the Northern Netherlands ”

Q b u z z i s re p l a c i n g i t s e x i s t i n g fl e e t o f Q l i n e r b u s e s w i t h t h i s 1 0 0 p e rc e n t z e roemission, batter y-electric Van Hool bus

D i r k H u z e l i n g , b i d m a n a g e r a t Q b u z z b v , explains why they chose Van Hool as the supplier for these unique vehicles: We were facing a major challenge when opting to replace our current fleet of Qliner buses, which have amply proved their wor th We d e fi n i t e l y w a n t e d t o g o g re e n a n d s o t h e option of a 100 percent zero-emission bus was quickly floated Because of the specifi c i t y o f t h e Q l i n e r n e t w o r k i n G ro n i n g e nD re n t h e a n d i t s l o n g e r- d i s t a n c e , i n t e rc i t y connections and high average speed, we opted for the long 15-meter buses with 55 c o m f o r t a b l e s e a t s f o r p a s s e n g e r s a n d a large working radius After a thorough evaluation of the market, we opted for Van Hool, with whom we have already put a number of new vehicles into the existing public transpor t network in recent years ”

B e c a u s e o f t h e i n t e rc i t y j o u r n e y s t h a t a r e u n d e r t a k e n , p a s s e n g e r s w i l l s p e n d l o n g e r i n t h e b u s , s o w e o p t e d f o r c o mf o r t a b l e c o a c h s e a t s e q u i p p e d w i t h s e a t b e l t s , U S B c h a r g i n g p o i n t s , f o o t re s t s a n d folding tables passengers can stow their l u g g a g e i n t h e l u g g a g e r a c k s A l l b u s e s w i l l b e e q u i p p e d w i t h m i r ro r c a m e r a s f o r t h e d r i v e r a n d t h r e e m o n i t o r s f o r r o u t e infor mation for passengers as well as havi n g a m a n u a l w h e e l c h a i r r a m p t o a l l o w a c c e s s f o r d i s a b l e d p e o p l e

Van Hool is a Belgian independent manufacturer of buses, coaches and industrial vehicles, based in Koningshooikt Founded i n 1 9 4 7 , t h e c o m p a n y c e l e b r a t e d i t s 7 5 t h a n n i v e r s a r y i n 2 0 2 2 T h e v a s t m a j o r i t y o f their products are destined for Europe and N o r t h A m e r i c a Va n H o o l h a s m o r e t h a n 2,500 employees worldwide, most of them at its production sites in Koningshooikt (Belgium) and Skopje (nor ther n Macedonia)

Zaragoza, Test Laborator y for the Digizity Project

Av a n z a a n d t h e C i t y o f Z a r a g o z a p resented the largest Strategic Project for Econ o m i c R e c o v e r y a n d Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n (PERTE) project to the media on March 16

It is a project that started two years ago with the goal of automating, decarbonizing and d i g i t a l i z i n g u r b a n t r a n s p o r t w i t h z e r oemissions buses

Five other companies, including the Irizar Group via Irizar, Jema and Hispacold, participated in the project lead by Avanza Telnet and Nextium and three technology cent e r s ( I t a i n n o v a f r o m A r a g ó n , C TA G f r o m Galicia and Tecnalia from the Basque Countr y) and Novadays, a consulting fir m specializing in public administration, also part i c i p a t e d I t m a r k e d t h e i n t e g r a t i o n o f t h e value chain of one of the segments of the automotive sector, bus transport It brought together manufacturers of buses, engines, c o m p o n e n t s a n d o n b o a r d s y s t e m s , telecommunications equipment and a global mobility operator

D i g i z i t y, w h o k e e p s m a k i n g p r o g r e s s ever y day thanks to all its members, is par t o f t h e i n t e g r a l m o d e l o f t h e C i t y o f Zaragoza that aims to create a zero-emissions city and promote sustainable mobility t h ro u g h a t r a n s i t i o n f ro m p r i v a t e v e h i c l e s t o p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t

They took another step recently and their Exceptional Area, which is an enclosed and 100 percent safe research infrastructure that is part of the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE), was p r e s e n t e d w i t h t h e I r i z a r i e t r a m , a c o nnected and electric vehicle The test area will be done on line 40 of Zaragoza public transport Its first stage will start to be operational starting today, which will make it poss i b l e t o t e s t a n d i n t e g r a t e a l l t h e s y s t e m s d e v e l o p e d o n t h e p r o j e c t F u r t h e r m o r e , Vodafone is collaborating on all the tests as a 5G communications provider and subject area exper t

The bus used for the tests is an Irizar ie tram, which is a silent and environmentallyfriendly vehicle Its innovative design similar to a tram, high degree of personalization, high capacity and ease of access and comfor t are among its great vir tues

Equipment News

Financed by the European Union, the DIGIZITY project has a total budget of more than 9 million Euros, 5 4 million in public funding and will continue until the end of 2023 Irizar is running one of their ie Tram buses in Zaragoza as part of this project It operates on line 40 of Zaragoza public transport to test and integrate all of the systems developed on the project

With this project, mobility 4 0 is arriving at the capital of Aragon, putting it at the vanguard of the future and of sustainability and i n n o v a t i o n t h ro u g h a r t i fi c i a l i n t e l l i g e n c e Zaragoza will be the first city domestically or inter nationally to have the benefits of a pioneering project by testing more than 50 products, systems and subsystems aimed a t m a k i n g p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t c l e a n e r, m o re efficient, safer and more comfor table Further more, the city will improve the safety of Avenida San José, which is an especially sensitive traffic area

Today autonomous driving is making an i m p o r t a n t c o n t r i b u t i o n t o e n v i r o n m e n t a l sustainability because energy consumption can be managed more efficiently In addition, it goes hand in hand with electrification a n d i m p l e m e n t i n g z e ro - e m i s s i o n v e h i c l e technologies

T h e z e ro - e m i s s i o n s 1 2 - m e t e r I r i z a r i e tram automated vehicle has driving assistance that contributes to guaranteeing safety and minimizes the possibility of accidents

The driving assistance does not eliminate the driver; it assists them to improve safety

It reduces accidents or incidents by reducing human error (fatigue or speeding, etc)

The goals of the project are clear: automated and intelligent vehicle usage, 5G and WiFi 6 connectivity, technological and smart city infrastructures, artificial intelligence and latest generation solutions for users A conn e c t e d , i n t e l l i g e n t a n d c y b e r s a f e v e h i c l e was developed with this project It is con-

nected in real time/5G with a network that has been deployed for that purpose

The Digizity project has been financed by the European Union – Next Generation EU through the 2021 “Sustainable Automotive Technology Programme” call for entries under the Recover y – Transfor mation and Resilience Plan backed the Center for Techn o l o g i c a l a n d I n d u s t r i a l D e v e l o p m e n t (CDTI) The total budget is more than nine million Euros; it has 5 4 million in public funding and it will last until December 31, 2023

Repeat Order Takes West Midlands

BYD-Alexander

Dennis Enviro400EV

Fleet to More Than 300

A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s a n d B Y D U K j o i n t l y a n n o u n c e d o n A p r i l 1 3 t h a t t h e i r e l e c t r i c vehicle partnership, the UK’s leading electric bus producer, has taken a fir m order from National Express West Midlands for an addit i o n a l 1 7 0 d o u b l e - d e c k e l e c t r i c b u s e s , t o be delivered by the end of 2024 Alexander Dennis is a subsidiar y of leading independ e n t g l o b a l b u s m a n u f a c t u re r N F I G ro u p Inc (NFI), while BYD is a global leader in batteries, energy management and electric mobility

T h e n e w o rd e r w i l l t a k e t h e n u m b e r o f BYD AD Envi ro4 00EV bus e s op era ted b y N a t i o n a l E x p re s s i n t h e We s t M i d l a n d s t o 329 The fleet, which will be the largest of the type in the UK, includes an earlier order for 130 buses that are par t of the UK Gover nment’s ambitions to make Coventr y the countr y’s first All-Electric Bus City by 2025

National Bus Trader / May, 2023

M o r e t h a n h a l f o f t h e 1 3 0 B Y D A D

E n v i ro 4 0 0 E V b u s e s o rd e re d a re a l re a d y operating on National Express bus routes across Coventr y

T h e c o n t i n u e d i n v e s t m e n t i s p a r t o f National Express delivering on its commitm e n t t o h a v e a c o m p l e t e l y z e ro - e m i s s i o n bus fleet in the UK by 2030 The electricity t o p o w e r t h e e l e c t r i c v e h i c l e s w i l l b e 1 0 0 percent renewable and zero carbon

Tom Stables, CEO National Express UK and Ger many, said: “Replacing our diesel buses with electric means we are on track to meet net zero in a way that is good for business and good for communities These new British buses, built in Falkirk by Alexander Dennis on a BYD chassis, are clean, green, double-decker buses that are popular with customers As a result, they are not only more economical to run, but they will boost passenger growth and revenue by getting more people to ditch their cars for the bus; and of course they do their bit to help tackle the climate and clean air emergency ”

A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s G ro u p C o m m e rc i a l D i re c t o r M a r t i n We s t s a i d : “ A t A l e x a n d e r D e n n i s , w e a re p ro u d t o l e a d t h e c h a r g e with solutions that move hear ts and minds We a re e x c i t e d t o h e l p N a t i o n a l E x p re s s deliver its ambitious plans in suppor t of the We s t M i d l a n d s ’ t a r g e t t o b e c o m e a z e rocarbon region by 2041 This repeat order from National Express will create the largest fl e e t o f B Y D A D E n v i r o 4 0 0 E V e l e c t r i c d o u b l e - d e c k b u s e s i n t h e c o u n t r y a n d shows the gathering pace of the transition to zero-emission mobility ”

Frank Thorpe, managing director, BYD UK said: “This is yet another considerable electric bus order and we are delighted to suppor t National Express as it continues to make significant headway in replacing its diesel bus fleets with clean electric alternatives Through our par tnership with Alexander Dennis, we combine our niche areas of expertise, including BYD’s world-leading battery technology to bring safe, reliable, non-polluting solutions to make public bus services more sustainable and ever more appealing to a broader range of passengers ” q

Equipment News

alexander dennis has recently taken an additional order from National express West Midlands for an additional 170 double-deck electric buses to be delivered by the end of 2024 this new order brings the total of National express double-deck enviro400eV buses operated in the West Midlands to 329 units it is part of a uK Government plan to make Coventry the country’s first all-electric bus city by 2025

MCI Celebrates 90 Years

Part One

by Larry Plachno

In 2 0 2 3 M C I c e l e b r a t e s 9 0 y e a r s s i n c e b u i l d i n g i t s f i r s t c o a c h W h i l e a l l b u s builders tend to have interesting histories, MCI is unique in a few areas Over the years MCI has had several owners and built b u s e s i n t h re e d i ff e re n t c o u n t r i e s W h i l e under Greyhound ownership it took over as the leading American coachbuilder from General Motors Today, MCI is part of NFI G ro u p , I n c a n d o ff e r s a r a n g e o f c o a c h e s with clean diesel, alternative fuels and battery-electric power

O v e r t h e y e a r s w e h a v e w r i t t e n a b o u t MCI from several aspects including models, p ro d u c t i o n a n d o w n e r s h i p . T h i s y e a r w e p l a n t o c o m b i n e s e v e r a l d i ff e re n t s o u rc e s from the archives to achieve a more rounded h i s t o r y. W h i l e t h i s h a s g e n e r a t e d a r a t h e r lengthy article, we suspect that many in the i n d u s t r y w i l l e n j o y, a n d s o m e m a y e v e n relate to this trip back in time

Because of its length, we are breaking this a r t i c l e i n t o t h r e e s e c t i o n s T h i s P a r t O n e starts with early days in Winnipeg and continues to the 1970s era. Part Two, in a future issue, will take up the story at that point and continue it

It All Started in Winnipeg

I would be remiss if we did not start this story by talking about Winnipeg Is it coinc i d e n t a l t h a t M C I , t h e l e a d e r i n t h e c o a c h m a r k e t , a n d N e w F l y e r, t h e l e a d e r i n t h e transit market, both originated in Winnipeg? I s t h e re s o m e m a g i c i n t h e j u n c t i o n o f t h e Assiniboine River with the Red River? Or is it, as many local residents suggest, Winnipeg is somewhat special It has always been one of my favorite cities to visit

Wi n n i p e g , M a n i t o b a s t a r t e d o u t a s s o m e w h a t o f a w i l d a n d w o o l y f r o n t i e r town and while it may have matured and become a great deal more civilized over the years, it seems to continue to attract people w h o a re i n d e p e n d e n t , n o t a f r a i d o f h a rd work and who have a well-developed sense of community. It is easily the most industrialized Canadian city for a distance of at least 800 miles

What became Winnipeg started out as a trading post of the Hudson Bay Company located less than 70 miles north of the United States near where the west-to-east Assiniboine River emptied into the north-to-south Red River Fort Garry was built somewhere around 1821 and was named for Nicholas Garry, an important director of the Hudson Bay Company

Unfortunately, the new fort was washed away in the flood of 1826 This was not an u n u s u a l h a z a rd b e c a u s e s p r i n g f l o o d i n g sometimes combined with frozen rivers to c a u s e m a j o r p r o b l e m s A b o u t f i v e y e a r s later the fort was rebuilt a little ways north at Selkirk because it was considered a safer

MCI counts its history from 1933 when the Fort Geary Motor Body and Paint Works, Ltd. built its first bus. Although the company also did automotive repair at this time, they were so successful with buses that bus building became their exclusive work by 1938 In the following years the company developed a series of buses that became increasingly popular.

Photos from MCI or the NBT Archives unless otherwise indicated

location However, commerce and trade did not follow the new fort but remained at “the f o r k s ” w h e r e t h e r i v e r s m e t , t h e c u r r e n t location of downtown Winnipeg Hence a s e c o n d a n d m o r e s u b s t a n t i a l f o r t w a s e r e c t e d t h e r e i n 1 8 3 5 T h e n e w f o r t w a s called Upper Fort Garry to differentiate it from the fort at Selkirk that became known as Lower Fort Garry

Early records suggest that a commercial enterprise located immediately outside the walls of the new fort was a store that sold l i q u o r O n e p re s u m e s t h a t t h i s e n t e r p r i s e helped the local residents and trappers ward off frostbite in the cold winter months.

There are people who today humorously r e f e r t o t h e c o m m u n i t y a s “ Wi n t e r p e g ” b e c a u s e i t s o m e t i m e s h a s s n o w o n t h e ground for half of the year Worse yet, the area is occasionally prone to flooding when t h e i c e i n t h e R e d R i v e r b r e a k s u p i n t h e s p r i n g . I n s p i t e o f a l l o f t h i s , o r m a y b e b e c a u s e o f i t , t h e a re a h a s a t t r a c t e d m a n y e n t e r p r i s i n g p e o p l e Wi n n i p e g b e c a m e a major railroad and transportation center as well as providing the birthplace for numerous businesses and industries including the two major bus builders already mentioned

Harry Zoltok and Early Buses

The key figure in the founding and early days of MCI was Harry Zoltok. He was born i n R u s s i a i n 1 9 0 5 b u t d e c i d e d t o l e a v e h i s n a t i v e l a n d a f t e r t h e S o c i a l i s t s c a m e t o power Zoltok arrived in Winnipeg in 1928 and decided to stay One report suggests that he was so impressed by the cleanliness and width of Portage Avenue, that paralleled the A s s i n i b o i n e R i v e r f o r a d i s t a n c e , t h a t h e elected to settle here. Since he liked to work

Greyhound

with vehicles and with his hands, he started working with a partnership known as J.R. Horne and Co that worked on and repaired automobiles including some custom work

E i t h e r i n s p i t e o f o r b e c a u s e o f t h e Depression, Zoltok in 1932 partnered with Fred Sicinski and opened a new business in a 5,000-square-foot building on Fort Street i n d o w n t o w n Wi n n i p e g . T h i s w a s w i t h i n walking distance of “the forks” where the two rivers meet Since this was near the form e r l o c a t i o n o f U p p e r F o r G a r r y, t h e y

named their new enterprise the Fort Garry Motor Body and Paint Works, Ltd.

It was only a year later that the little company began vehicle production. In 1933, they built an 11-passenger body on a Packard car chassis Initially they followed typical limousine procedure by cutting the vehicle in half and extending the body Soon, however, the company began building their own bodies and putting them on truck chassis

By 1937 the Fort Garry Motor Body and Paint Works had moved up considerably in t e c h n i q u e a n d e x p e r t i s e T h a t y e a r t h e y turned out a coach for Grey Goose Bus Lines that was built entirely by the company without an outside chassis. This moved the comp a n y c l o s e r t o i n t e g r a l c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d improved durability This upgraded quality c a u s e d b u s i n e s s t o i n c r e a s e . Wi t h t h e increase in bus manufacturing, a decision was made that the company would focus on over-the-road coaches in the future. By 1938, the Fort Garry Auto Body and Paint Works was concentrating on building coaches and h a d d i s c o n t i n u e d t h e a u t o m o b i l e r e p a i r business

In contrast, the other bus builder in Winnipeg, Western Auto and Truck Body Works, builder of Western Flyer buses, would eventually make the opposite decision and concentrate on transit buses. They later became known as New Flyer

It might be noted that as time went on, Z o l t o k b e g a n u s i n g s t a i n l e s s s t e e l i n c o nstruction to reduce corrosion and improve c o a c h l o n g e v i t y. T h i s w a s s o m e w h a t o f a m a r k e d c o n t r a s t b e c a u s e G e n e r a l M o t o r s

Much of the early success of MCI was due to the efforts of Harry Zoltok He left his native Russia and moved to Winnipeg where his past experience in automotive work got him into building buses. Many contemporaries credit Zoltok with being a natural engineer who could develop parts and assemblies long before we had computers to help

of Canada became an early customer of the Fort Geary Motor Body and Paint Works. Early work and buses they got from the company survived well on Canadian roads and in harsh winter weather. By 1950, the fleet of Greyhound of Canada consisted of 129 coaches, all built by MCI.

u s e d a l u m i n u m t o re d u c e c o r ro s i o n I t i s noteworthy that in our market today, other coachbuilders have followed the lead of MCI with stainless steel construction

Connecting with Greyhound

N u m e r o u s p e o p l e c r e d i t Z o l t o k w i t h being a natural engineer In these days prior t o c o m p u t e r s a n d s o p h i s t i c a t e d d r a f t i n g equipment, Zoltok developed the habit of sketching a needed part or assembly on the floor of the factory in chalk. In some cases, t h e a re a w a s ro p e d o ff u n t i l t h e p a r t w a s completed The resulting improved quality a t t h e F o r t G a r r y A u t o B o d y a n d P a i n t Works became known to many of the local bus operators. Included was Canadian Greyhound Lines where a long-term relationship developed

Canadian Greyhound Lines was having difficulty in finding buses capable of dealing with rugged Canadian winters and roads

A t t h a t t i m e t h e y w e re o p e r a t i n g s e v e r a l

1 9 3 0 m o d e l “ Y ” Ye l l o w C o a c h b u s e s t h a t had high mileage engines and were starting t o h a v e b o d y p r o b l e m s T h e F o r t G a r r y Motor Body and Paint Works was awarded a contract from Greyhound to work on some of the better units. They rebuilt and somew h a t s t r e a m l i n e d t h e b o d i e s w h i l e a l s o installing rebuilt engines

Pleased with the work on rebuilding their model “Y” Yellow Coaches, Canadian Greyhound turned to the Fort Garry Motor Body and Paint Works again This time the problem was a group of four Yellow Coach model 732 coaches purchased by Canadian Greyhound in late 1936 They had proven to be a

disappointment In addition to being heavy, these coaches were unable to deal with the hard Canadian weather and road conditions and their engines were starting to give up Canadian Greyhound returned them to Yellow Coach in 1937

For those who do not know, or have forg o t t e n , t h i s w a s a m a j o r e x p r e s s i o n o f re c o g n i t i o n a n d re s p e c t f o r t h e l i t t l e Wi nnipeg bus builder Already owned by Gene r a l M o t o r s , Ye l l o w C o a c h h a d r e c e n t l y d e v e l o p e d t h e i r S u p e r C o a c h a n d w a s o b v i o u s l y b e c o m i n g t h e l e a d e r i n t h e A m e r i c a n b u s i n d u s t r y A s k i n g t h e F o r t G a r y A u t o B o d y a n d P a i n t Wo r k s i f t h e y could do better was a real compliment The m a n a g e m e n t a t C a n a d i a n G r e y h o u n d a p p r o a c h e d Z o l t o k a n d a s k e d h i m t o design a coach larger than anything in their current fleet that could carry 37 passengers. T h i s d e s i re d c o a c h a l s o h a d t o d e a l w i t h C a n a d i a n ro a d s a n d w e a t h e r c o n d i t i o n s

I n a d d i t i o n , t h e G r e y h o u n d p e o p l e wanted this new model to have many of the features of the new Yellow Coach 743 Super Coach but none of the shortcomings As you might expect, this was a very tall order given the fact that Yellow Coach was considered the leading bus builder However, it was also obvious that success would propel the Fort Garry Motor Body and Paint Works into the big time. Any bus that would operate safely, reliably and economically in the local environment would be a winner any place else Zoltok agreed to build such a vehicle.

People from Greyhound provided Zoltok w i t h i n f o r m a t i o n o n b o t h t h e a d v a n t a g e s and the shortcomings of the Yellow Coach 743 Super Coach. He then went to work on the floor with his chalk What resulted was the new model 37-UM that was turned out in September of 1938. This model was a substantial step forward and was powered by a n u n d e r f l o o r H a l l - S c o t t p a n c a k e e n g i n e Trans Continental immediately placed an order for two at $15,000 each In November,

In 1940, the company was renamed Motor Coach Industries and moved to a larger facility. The new location at Erin and St Matthews streets had 20,000 square feet that could better handle increasing production. This photo shows a series of coaches being built on what was then the assembly line.

Built from 1956 to 1960, the MCI Model 96 was one of the last models built before the company switched to developing the “MC” series for Greyhound. This example was operated by MacKenzie Bus Line Ltd.

MCI did build a trolley bus for Winnipeg in 1942 It was the first trolley bus and hence first zero-emission bus built in Canada Although no others were built, this unit remained in service in Winnipeg for 25 years.

Central Greyhound ordered four at $15,600 each These prices on buses back then make an interesting contrast to today’s prices.

T h e s e n e w c o a c h e s w e re b a re l y o u t o f the door when Zoltok took up his chalk and b e g a n w o r k i n g o n a n e w m o d e l H e w a s a p p a r e n t l y i n f l u e n c e d b y t h e n e w l y l a u n c h e d Ye l l o w C o a c h P D G s e r i e s t h a t introduced the “Silversides” model What resulted was a new and improved bus that would be called the model 150 It retained a front radiator and the underfloor pancake engine

Major improvements on the new model included moving closer to full integral construction and introducing exterior paneling In later years this became traditional stainless steel siding on MCI coaches Another major improvement on the 150 Model was t h e u s e o f d u c t s f o r d i s t r i b u t i n g h e a t t h ro u g h o u t t h e c o a c h , re p l a c i n g t h e f l o o r heaters used on earlier models. These vents could also be used for cooler air in the summ e r m o n t h s A s y o u m i g h t g u e s s , a n y improvement in heating was most welcome i n t h e C a n a d i a n w i n t e r s C a n a d i a n G re yhound was so impressed that they immediately placed an order for 10 of these coaches

Now with sales increasing and Canadian G re y h o u n d a s a m a j o r c u s t o m e r, S i c i n s k i and Zoltok decided in 1940 to expand and reorganize the company. It was recapitalized and renamed Motor Coach Industries Operations were moved to a larger 20,000- squarefoot facility at Erin and St Matthews Street This was almost directly west of the original location and provided four times as much space as the original Fort Garry location In l a t e r y e a r s t h i s l o c a t i o n c a m e t o b e c a l l e d Plant 1 and served as the company’s primari l y p ro d u c t i o n f a c i l i t y f o r a b o u t 2 5 y e a r s , until the introduction of 40-foot coaches

Soon after moving into the new factory, bus production had to be curtailed because of the war effort During the war years the factory was open 24 hours per day and concentrated on producing military vehicles. MCI did build a trolley bus for Winnipeg in 1942 It was the first trolley bus and presumably first zero-emission bus built in Canada and it remained in service for 25 years Addit i o n a l u n i t s w e re n o t b u i l t b e c a u s e o f t h e wartime scarcity of materials and the high import duties on traction motors

W h i l e b u s p r o d u c t i o n e x p e c t e d l y resumed after the war, MCI continued to be a small, regional builder. By 1947, MCI was building a new coach approximately every two weeks and hence turning out 25 or 26 coaches each year During this period, Zoltok c o n t i n u e d t o d e s i g n p a r t s a n d a s s e m b l i e s that increased the quality and durability of MCI coaches

T h i s e r a s a w t h e re l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n M C I a n d C a n a d i a n G r e y h o u n d b e g i n t o

g r o w s t r o n g e r I n 1 9 4 0 , C a n a d i a n G r e yh o u n d o p e r a t e d a t o t a l o f 6 7 v e h i c l e s T h e s e w e r e p r i m a r i l y o l d e r Ye l l o w C o a c h e s , K e n w o r t h a n d H a y s - A n d e r s o n b u s e s w i t h o n l y 1 7 n e w e r M C I c o a c h e s . H o w e v e r, b y 1 9 5 0 t h e C a n a d i a n G r e yhound fleet included 129 coaches, all from MCI. Not only were MCI coaches meeting the requirement of dealing with Canadian ro a d s a n d C a n a d i a n w i n t e r s b u t t h e i r u s e by Canadian Greyhound served as a great e n d o r s e m e n t f o r t h e c o m p a n y

MCI saw an opportunity to venture into o t h e r t y p e s o f m a n u f a c t u r i n g i n t h e p o s tw a r y e a r s w i t h t w o s u b s i d i a r i e s . A n e w plant was built on the corner of St Matthews a n d Wa l l S t re e t , a c ro s s t h e r a i l ro a d t r a c k s from the existing St Matthews facility Part i a l l y c o n s t r u c t e d f ro m w a r t i m e p a c k i n g cases, it soon logically came to be called Plant 2 It was initially used for the operation of the National Products Pole Line hardware

division as well as the manufacture of road machinery

Greyhound Ownership

M a n a g e m e n t a t C a n a d i a n G re y h o u n d had been increasingly pleased with MCI and its coaches. As a result, they offered in 1948 to acquire partial ownership of the company What resulted is that Canadian Greyhound took a 65 percent ownership in MCI while Sicinski retired and Zoltok became president of MCI. This vote of confidence increased sales to double what it had been Between 1945 and 1949, MCI turned out more than 300 coaches, effectively more than one coach each week

Once again the floor of the plant became a blackboard for Zoltok’s chalk engineering s k e t c h e s o f d i f f e r e n t c o m p o n e n t s a n d a s s e m b l i e s t h a t w o u l d i m p ro v e t h e c o a c h product line Like General

Motors, Zoltok

Seeking more production space, MCI moved to Plant 1 on St. Matthews Street in 1940. Almost immediately bus production ceased as the company was drawn into the war effort MCI’s coach production would be centered here until the late 1960s when the new Fort Garry plant was opened to accommodate longer buses

The Courier 95 Model helped establish MCI’s reputation for reliability and durability. As was typical of that era, buses imitated the bright siding of passenger trains and the new General Motors coaches. MCI was prone to use stainless steel because it held up well in bad weather.

b e l i e v e d t h a t p l a t f o r m i n t e g r a l c o n s t ru ction was the most durable at this time and had the most longevity While Zoltok’s version of platform integral was different than that used by General Motors, it continued to survive in MCI’s “D” model coaches for d e c a d e s

A n o t h e r d i f f e r e n c e i s t h a t G e n e r a l M o t o r s l i k e d t o u s e s u b s t a n t i a l q u a n t i t i e s o f a l u m i n u m t o r e d u c e c o r r o s i o n a n d i n c re a s e l o n g e v i t y. I n c o m p a r i s o n , Z o l t o k a n d M C I w e n t w i t h s t a i n l e s s s t e e l f o r t h e s a m e re a s o n s M o re t h a n o n e p e r s o n h a s suggested that the harsh Canadian winters a n d re s u l t i n g s a l t o n t h e ro a d s b e c a m e a major reason why MCI embraced stainless s t e e l c o n s t r u c t i o n a t a n e a r l y d a t e H o we v e r, M C I r e m a i n e d e s s e n t i a l l y a w e l lre g a rd e d re g i o n a l b u i l d e r u n t i l d e v e l o pm e n t s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s i n t h e 1 9 5 0 s c h a n g e d i t s f u t u re

G e n e r a l M o t o r s i n t ro d u c e d t h e i r n e w P D 4 1 0 4 m o d e l i n 1 9 5 3 a n d G re y h o u n d ’ s new Scenicruiser in 1954 These remarkable coaches effectively decimated other coachbuilders in the United States. In 1955, GM b u i l t 8 4 p e rc e n t o f a l l b u s e s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s ( b o t h c o a c h e s a n d t r a n s i t s ) w h i l e plucky Flxible built another seven percent. A l l o t h e r b u i l d e r s c o m b i n e d s h a r e d t h e remaining nine percent.

I might suggest that a major reason for GM’s success in sales was their buses and coaches were good, reliable and durable In addition, GM offered their popular Detroit Diesel engine as well as financing programs. T h e y w e r e e s s e n t i a l l y t h e b u s o f c h o i c e among the leading coach and transit operators In 1956, the U S Department of Justice f i l e d a n a n t i t r u s t s u i t a g a i n s t G e n e r a l Motors. While the suit never went to court, it became a major factor in future bus manu f a c t u r i n g d e v e l o p m e n t s A m o n g o t h e r t h i n g s , G M w o u l d e v e n t u a l l y b a c k o u t o f the bus building business

As a major customer of General Motors, G re y h o u n d i n t h e U S w a s n a m e d i n t h e suit According to the figures I have, Greyh o u n d p u rc h a s e d a b o u t 4 9 p e rc e n t o f t h e coaches built by General Motors from 1953 t o 1 9 6 0 W h a t re s u l t e d i s t h a t G re y h o u n d began looking for a way to purchase coaches e l s e w h e r e Wi t h M C I a l r e a d y p a r t i a l l y owned by Canadian Greyhound, it became t h e p r i m e c a n d i d a t e f o r a c a p t i v e b u s builder

Greyhound’s official history suggests that Zoltok was not immediately receptive to the

idea and took some convincing. However, i n 1 9 5 8 h e a g re e d t o a l l o w G re y h o u n d t o t a k e f u l l 1 0 0 p e r c e n t o w n e r s h i p o f M C I Zoltok remained as company president and was also elected to the Greyhound Board of Directors

M C I w a s i m m e d i a t e l y c h a r g e d w i t h d e v e l o p i n g a n i m p r o v e d a n d m o d e r n heavy-duty coach suitable for the needs of Greyhound in the United States This developmental era covered four models – MC1 through MC-4 – and approximately six years During this period, Greyhound in the

This photo shows production in the years immediately prior to MCI starting to work on the “MC” series of coaches for Greyhound By 1950, MCI was turning out more than one coach each week Although still primarily a regional builder, the company’s reputation had spread among Canadian bus operators

In 1958, Greyhound took full 100 percent ownership of MCI and the company immediately began building the “MC” series of coaches to develop a coach suitable for the new owner. The first MC-1 was built in 1958 and other improved models followed

Starting with the MC-5 model in 1963, coach bodies were shipped to Pembina for completion As soon as MCI coaches showed up in the Greyhound fleet, other operators were interested. Soon, MCI was on its way to becoming an international builder

United States continued to buy coaches from GM while Canadian Greyhound continued to buy buses from MCI

The prototype MC-1 was developed in 1 9 5 8 a n d w e n t i n t o p r o d u c t i o n i n 1 9 5 9 E x p e c t e d l y, t h e d e s i g n w a s i n f l u e n c e d b y the popular PD4104 but was more angular and less rounded Major features included modern slanting passenger windows, fluted stainless steel siding, the destination sign was moved to the roof cap above the windshield, and both air conditioning and air ride suspension were included The prototype MC-2 was built in 1959 with regular production in 1960 and 1961 Major improvements in the MC-2 included the more powerful 6V7 1 D e t r o i t D i e s e l e n g i n e r e p l a c i n g t h e smaller 4-71 in the MC-1

A prototype MC-3 was built in 1961 with regular production following from 1961 to 1963 Most of the changes were cosmetic and minor Later in 1961 a prototype MC-4 was built and regular production took place in 1 9 6 3 . T h e m o s t s u b s t a n t i a l c h a n g e o n t h e MC-4 was in the drive train with the more powerful 8V-71 Detroit Diesel engine and a Spicer four-speed transmission. This engine made the 35-foot coach somewhat overpowered since the same engine would later be used in 40-foot coaches.

U.S. Production and Sales

Expectedly, all of this led to some changes a t M C I . I n 1 9 6 2 , M C I b e c a m e a w h o l l yowned subsidiary of Greyhound and plans started on a new production scheme to allow f o r i n c re a s e d s a l e s t o G re y h o u n d a n d t h e United States A new production facility was built in Winnipeg at a cost of $525,000. It was located across from Plant 1 on the west side of Erin Street and became known as Plant 3

Under the new plan, Plant 1 would cease b u i l d i n g c o m p l e t e d c o a c h e s a n d i n s t e a d build unfinished coach bodies. MCI Models M C - 5 a n d M C - 5 A a c t u a l l y h a d s e p a r a t e

m o d e l s n u m b e r s f o r U S a n d C a n a d i a n coaches. Those intended for delivery to U.S. customers would be trucked on companyowned flatbed trailers to the U S for finishi n g w h i l e t h o s e i n t e n d e d f o r d e l i v e r y t o Canadian customers would be finished at the new Plant 3 in Winnipeg This arrangement not only simplified customs on United States components but also met what came to be called “Buy America” provisions for agencies buying with federal money

Pembina, North Dakota, located 68 miles s o u t h o f Wi n n i p e g , w a s s e l e c t e d a s t h e assembly location in the United States Greyhound already had a subsidiary in Pembina known as the Greyhound Motor and Supply Company. It manufactured engine parts and a s s e m b l e d m o t o r s F o u r t e e n a c r e s w e r e a c q u i r e d i n P e m b i n a t o b u i l d a 3 1 , 0 0 0square-foot plant for finishing coaches for the U S market

All of this got underway on September 1 3 , 1 9 6 3 w h e n t h e f i r s t s h e l l a r r i v e d a t t h e n e w P e m b i n a f a c i l i t y I n a re l a t i v e l y s h o r t t i m e , 3 0 0 c o a c h e s o f t h e n e w M C - 5 m o d e l w e r e b u i l t a n d d e l i v e r e d t o G r e y h o u n d f ro m P e m b i n a T h i s c re a t e d a n e w re c o rd f o r M C I b y b r i n g i n g c o a c h p ro d u c t i o n u p t o o n e c o a c h p e r d a y A l t h o u g h s i m i l a r t o t h e M C - 4 m o d e l , t h e M C - 5 h a d t w o b a ggage doors on each side instead of three on t h e M C - 4

It should be noted that up until this point, MCI coaches were rare in the United States Once Greyhound in the United States began taking delivery of MCI coaches in large numbers, other operators became interested in t h e m . B y 1 9 6 4 , M C I c o a c h e s w e r e b e i n g offered to other bus operators in the United States Campus Travel, Inc of New York City became the first non-Greyhound buyer and operator in the United States By 1967 a parts

w i t h t h e M C - 5 model It is located near the United States-Canadian border and has always completed coaches started in Winnipeg.

The new Fort Garry plant is located south of Winnipeg and went into production in June of 1968 It was constructed to build 40-foot coaches since that length would have been difficult at Plant 1.

The procedure of framing up coaches in Winnipeg and trucking them south to the United States for finishing started in 1963 and continues today Among other things, this reduces shipping costs on some components while allowing the finished coach to meet Buy America requirements. This photo of a coach being transported from Winnipeg was taken later during the MC-9 era

facility was established at Pembina for MCI owners in the United States

It seemed like the new production program had barely gotten started when MCI began talking about improvements in 1965 Two different things prompted this One was that MCI coaches were an immediate hit on the U S market Production of the new MC5A model had reached two coaches a day and was taxing plant capacity. The second is that Greyhound was talking about a new MC-6 model that would be 40 feet long and 102inches wide It was intended to be a replacement for Greyhound’s aging Scenicruisers

I have been in the Plant on St Mathews There is a walkway above a relatively small production line area. Things were tight with the 35-foot MC-5 and MC-5A models They would be impossible with 40-foot coaches, particularly if sales continued to increase The revised plan involved the purchase of a 2 4 - a c r e s i t e i n t h e m u n i c i p a l i t y o f F o r t Garry on the south side of Winnipeg This n a m e m i g h t s o u n d c o n f u s i n g s i n c e t h e actual Fort Garry was located in downtown Winnipeg, just north of where the two rivers meet, but this municipality had taken that same name

Construction started on a new 134,000square-foot plant set up for the production of 40-foot coaches Because of its location, this became known as the Fort Garry plant. Plant 2 on St Matthews would receive a 60,000square-foot expansion and the Pembina facility would get a 66,000-square-foot expansion All of this required an investment of $6 5 million in 1966 money. The new production plan would see coaches produced at the new Fort Garry plant and then trucked to Pembina for finishing. At this time even the coaches going t o C a n a d a w e re c o m p l e t e d i n P e m b i n a t o D O T l e v e l s a n d t h e n d r i v e n b a c k t o F o r t Garry for final completion

The old St Matthews Plant 1 would no l o n g e r p ro d u c e b u s e s a n d w o u l d b e c o m e active as a support facility producing parts Hence, the door where completed coaches exited the plant was removed and bricked up. The new Fort Garry assembly line went active in June of 1968 Production of the MC-6 model had been delayed because of difficulty getting approval on the 102-inch width Hence, production on the new Fort Garry Line started with the MC-7 model The MC-7 was similar to the MC-5 but raised and extended to 40 feet and built with three axles. It was the MC-7 model that effectively replaced Greyhound’s Scenicruisers and became the new flagship of the Greyhound fleet

While two prototypes for the MC-6 had b e e n b u i l t i n 1 9 6 7 , a c t u a l p ro d u c t i o n w a s held off pending approval of the 102-inch width of the MC-6 When it became obvious t h a t u n i v e r s a l a p p r o v a l o f t h e i n c r e a s e d width was not forthcoming, the MC-6 went into production in 1969 and 1970 Only 100 w e re b u i l t a n d t h e y o p e r a t e d o n s e l e c t e d r o u t e s w h e r e s p e c i a l p e r m i t s h a d b e e n obtained. This was the last model built exclusively for Greyhound

Our 90-year history of Motor Coach Industries will continue in a future issue with Part Two starting in the 1970s q

Originally intended to b e a r e p l a c e m e n t f o r G r e y h o u n d ’s S c e n ic r u i s e r s , t h e M C - 6 model offered several innovations including t h r e e r o o f h e i g h t s , a 1 2 - c y l i n d e r e n g i n e a n d a w i d t h o f 1 0 2 i n c h e s . T h e n e w w i d t h p r o v e d t o b e a problem and only 100 production units were b u i l t T h i s b u i l d e r ’s p h o t o s h o w s o n e o f t h e u n i t s t h a t w a s going to Canada

The new Fort Garry plant was established to build the new MC-6 coaches because of their 40-foot length However, because of delays with the MC-6 model, production at Fort Garry started with the MC-7 model that ended up being the replacement for Greyhound’s aging Scenicruiser fleet. Shown here is the first production MC-7, noteworthy because of the partial wheel covering on the third axle ROBERT REDDEN, REDDEN ARCHIVES

The Impact of California’s Prop 22 Ruling & the Proposed U.S. Department of Labor Rule

Big Labor Law Changes on the Way for Ground Transportation Gig Workers?

Developments unfolding in California and at the u S Department of Labor (DOL) will affect industry reliance on independent contractors as drivers. There are already varying legal standards at the federal, state and local levels that may be used to determine whether your driver is an independent contractor or not – with significant consequences for intentionally, or even unintentionally, misclassifying a worker as a n i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r s u c h a s c i v i l p e n a l t i e s , e n f o r c e m e n t a c t i o n s , u n p a i d wages (including overtime) and tax contributions

Whether your driver is an independent contractor or an employee is a weighty issue f o r t h e p a s s e n g e r g ro u n d t r a n s p o r t a t i o n industry Many in the limousine, black car, livery and taxi industries have long relied on independent contractor-drivers and consider it the industry norm, and app-based transportation network companies have further solidified independent contractors as the status quo. Is that about to change?

New players in the industry like revel, K a p t y n a n d A l t o a r e e m b r a c i n g a n employee-driver business model, providing drivers hourly wages and benefits in addition to supplying the vehicles and covering all related costs Also, a new u S Labor Secretary may mean further changes for those who rely on independent contractors

I n e a r l y M a r c h , P r e s i d e n t b i d e n announced his nomination of Julie Su for S e c re t a r y o f t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f L a b o r t o take the helm when current Labor Secretary M a r t y Wa l s h l e a v e s a t t h e e n d o f M a r c h 2 0 2 3 . b e f o r e S u w a s a p p o i n t e d D e p u t y L a b o r S e c re t a r y i n 2 0 2 1 , s h e h e l d s e v e r a l roles in California, including serving as California Labor Commissioner and Secretary o f t h e C a l i f o r n i a L a b o r a n d Wo r k f o r c e D e v e l o p m e n t A g e n c y, w h e re s h e w a s i n charge of enforcing the state’s labor laws, including the state’s worker classification law known as A.b. 5. Su must be confirmed by a majority of the u S Senate, which has not set a date for Su’s confirmation hearing a s o f t h i s w r i t i n g . M a n y o n t h e b u s i n e s s side are taking issue with Su’s record in California, and it would take only two Democr a t s i n t h e u . S . S e n a t e t o d e f e a t a n d s i n k her confirmation

by Matthew W Daus, Esq

The combination of California’s Proposition 22 and the proposed new Department of Labor rules may make some changes in regulations surrounding employees and independent contractors Most of this will probably impact the TNCs, delivery services and limousine operations more so than standard bus operations. While the impact from Washington may yet be forthcoming, here is some idea of where things stand now uber

A b 5, which took effect in January 2020, presumes workers are employees under the law In other words, the California legislation p l a c e s t h e b u r d e n s q u a r e l y u p o n t h e employer to demonstrate that a worker is an independent contractor rather than an employee, making it harder for the drivers to be classified as independent contractors, unless the business can meet all three factors of the “AbC” test.1 business owners should understand that the failure of the employer to prove even one of the three criteria results in a worker being classified as an employee, rather than as an independent contractor

Part b of the test, which asks “does the w o r k e r p e r f o r m w o r k t h a t i s o u t s i d e t h e usual course of the hiring entity’s business?,” is the biggest hurdle for transportation network companies (TNCs), which have consistently argued that they are not transportation companies In the immediate wake of

A b 5, many commentators opined that the A b C t e s t l i k e l y m a k e s i t d i ffi c u l t – i f n o t impossible – for “gig economy” companies like uber and Lyft to designate their workers as independent contractors. Commentators have pointed out that TNCs may be especially hard pressed to meet the second part of the AbC test ”2

This article will provide an update on the implications of the latest Proposition (Prop) 22 court ruling in California, the status and potential impact of the proposed u.S. DOL rules, the interplay between federal and state laws on this topic, the legal path forward and how mobility companies that work with independent contractor or partner drivers in the passenger and goods delivery busin e s s c a n p re p a re f o r t h e s e c o n t i n g e n c i e s T h e r e w i l l u n d o u b t e d l y b e m o r e l e g a l m a n e u v e r i n g a n d p o t e n t i a l f u r t h e r c h a llenges to not only Prop 22 and the u S DOL

rules, but possibly to other laws that may be enacted which are similar, involving either the ABC test, or Prop 22 legislative clones in other states While the legal challenges may continue, transportation operators should keep a close eye on these developments as the changes to business operations and labor models may need to be adjusted.

California’s Proposition 22 (Mostly) Upheld (for Now)

O n M a r c h 1 4 , 2 0 2 3 , a C a l i f o r n i a s t a t e a p p e a l s c o u r t h a n d e d a w i n t o U b e r, Ly f t and other app-based ride and delivery companies when it upheld a ballot measure that allows these types of companies to classify drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. Golden State voters approved the ballot measure known as Proposition 22 (Prop 22) in November 2020 following the state’s enactment of A B 53 Prop 22 carves o u t a p p - b a s e d d r i v e r s f o r r i d e s h a r e a n d delivery companies – but not taxis or other f or- h i re v e h i cl e s – f rom A B 5 , w h i l e p roviding these drivers with certain other benefits and protections. [See Cal. Proposition 22, “Exempts App-Based Transportation and D e l i v e r y C o m p a n i e s f r o m P r o v i d i n g Employee Benefits to Certain Drivers Initiative Statute,” Cal Att’y Gen , Initiative No. 19-0026 (2020).4]

Shortly after Prop 22 passed, opponents –led by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California – challenged the measure in state court, alleging Prop 22 provisions infringe on the California State Legislature’s right to enforce workers’ compensation laws, and that a provision addressing collective bargaining must pass by a seven-eighths vote in the Legislature and cannot be put in an amendment

In 2021, an Alameda County Superior Court judge agreed, finding Prop 22 is “constitutionally problematic.”

The first trial court that was later overruled, held that the proposition is invalid in its entirety because it intrudes on the California Legislature’s exclusive authority to create workers’ compensation laws and viol a t e s a s p e c i fi c b a l l o t i n i t i a t i v e ru l e c a l l e d t h e “ s i n g l e - s u b j e c t r u l e f o r i n i t i a t i v e s t a t u t e s ” A l s o , i t w a s h e l d i n v a l i d t o t h e extent that it limits the Legislature’s authority to enact legislation that would not constitute an amendment to Prop 22

T h e s t a t e o f C a l i f o r n i a a l o n g w i t h a n industry organization backed by Uber and Lyft, called Protect App-Based Drivers and Services appealed the decision, arguing that t h e t r i a l c o u r t w a s t o t a l l y m i s t a k e n o n a l l points The appellate panel mostly agreed, ruling that the California Constitution does not give the California Legislature complete authority over workers’ compensation laws or violate the single-subject rule However, the appellate court panel left intact the lower court’s ruling that a provision addressing c o l l e c t i v e b a rg a i n i n g c a n n o t b e p u t i n a n a m e n d m e n t t h a t m u s t p a s s b y a s e v e neighths vote in the Legislature, concluding “that the initiative’s definition of what constitutes an amendment violates separation of powers principles ” The appellate panel then severed the unconstitutional provisions from the rest of Prop 22, effectively removing any restrictions on the Legislature’s control over collective bargaining that Prop 22 could have imposed

O p p o n e n t s o f P ro p 2 2 c o u l d c h a l l e n g e the decision in an appeal to the California

Sup reme Court The ex ecut ive direct or of SEIU California told Law360, “Drivers have always led this movement, and we will follow their lead as we consider all options –including seeking review from the California Supreme Court – to ensure that gig drivers a n d d e l i v e r y w o r k e r s h a v e a c c e s s t o t h e same rights and protections afforded to other workers in California ”5

However, the California Supreme Court is not required to hear all cases that petition f o r r e v i e w, a n d t y p i c a l l y t h e C a l i f o r n i a Supreme Court will decide to review a decis i o n i f : ( 1 ) t h e c a s e i n v o l v e s i s s u e s o f fi r s t impression yet to be decided by the California Supreme Court; (2) the citizens of California will be substantially impacted by the result of the case and any review; or (3) the C a l i f o r n i a S u p re m e C o u r t J u s t i c e s d o n o t agree with the decisions of the lower courts Although it appears that the first two factors could be met because Prop 22 is clearly a case of first impression that affects citizens of California statewide, the justices may decline review because they simply agree that the lower court’s decision of severing the unconstitutional provisions and leaving a form of Prop 22 that is constitutional and balanced, although arguably imperfect There is a distinct possibility that the California Supreme Court will decline to review the legal challenge to Prop 22, and – if it does review the case – it will affirm the lower court’s decision in order to avoid the constitutional question that has already been resolved

The passage of Prop 22 has been seen as a significant victory for app-based companies that rely on independent contractors. Having to reclassify these gig workers as employees would pose a threat to their business model because of the added costs associated with employee-drivers 6 While Prop 22’s passage lets these ride-hailing companies avoid the costs of employing their drivers, they will still be required to offer drivers some basic job protections, including minimum earnings, healthcare subsidies, insurance to cover on-the-job injuries and vehicle insurance 7

Proposition 22 Explained

Prop 22 classifies ride-hailing and delive r y d r i v e r s a s i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r s unless the app sets drivers’ hours, requires a c c e p t a n c e o f s p e c i fi c r i d e o r d e l i v e r y requests, or restricts drivers from working for other companies. The proposition applies to TNCs, as well as charter-party carriers of passengers (TCPs) if the driver is transporting passengers through an online-enabled app or platform, and to couriers working for a delivery network company (DNC), such as Uber Eats, GrubHub and Instacart

Under Proposition 22, a TNC is defined as an organization operating in California that provides prearranged transportation services for compensation using an onlineenabled application or platform to connect National Bus Trader / May, 2023

California’s Proposition 22 was geared primarily to exclude Uber, Lyft and other app-based ride and delivery companies from the standard rules It appears that following court challenges, most of the proposition will stand. However, these regulations only apply in California. UBER.

p a s s e n g e r s w i t h d r i v e r s u s i n g a p e r s o n a l vehicle A TCP means every person engaged in the transportation of persons by motor vehicle for compensation, whether in common or contract carriage, over any public highway in this state TCPs include any person, corporation or other entity engaged in the provision of a hired driver service when a rented motor vehicle is being operated by a h i re d d r i v e r D N C s a re b u s i n e s s e s t h a t maintain an online-enabled app or platform to facilitate on-demand delivery services

Under Prop 22, app-based delivery and ride-hail companies are required to offer their drivers certain alternative benefits, including minimum compensation, insurance to cover o n - t h e - j o b i n j u r i e s , a u t o m o b i l e a c c i d e n t insurance, healthcare subsidies for qualifying drivers, protection against harassment and discrimination, and mandatory contractual rights and appeal processes Companies will be required to pay drivers at least 20 percent more than the minimum wage, plus 30 cents per mile to cover expenses, with the potential t o e a r n m o re , a n d w i t h o u t l i m i t s o n h o w much drivers can make.8 Eligible drivers will receive a healthcare stipend that is consistent w i t h e m p l o y e r c o n t r i b u t i o n s u n d e r t h e Affordable Care Act 9

Prop 22 is more than worker classification and benefits for drivers It also criminalizes impersonation of such drivers, restricts local regulation of app-based drivers, and extends t h e s a m e b a c k g r o u n d c h e c k s t h a t a r e required of TNC drivers to app-based delivery drivers and couriers 10

The measure also preempts local regul a t i o n o f a p p - b a s e d d r i v e r c o m p e n s a t i o n

a n d g r a t u i t i e s ; d r i v e r s c h e d u l i n g , l e a v e , health care subsidies and any other workrelated stipends, subsidies or benefits; driver licensing and insurance requirements; and driver rights with respect to a network c o m p a n y ’ s t e r m i n a t i o n o f a n a p p - b a s e d d r i v e r ’ s c o n t r a c t 11 B y o c c u p y i n g t h e s e f i e l d s , t h i s e n s u r e s t h a t r i d e s h a r e a n d d e l i v e r y d r i v e r s a n d c o m p a n i e s a r e n o t s u b j e c t t o a p a t c h w o r k o f re g u l a t i o n s b y t h e m o r e t h a n 5 0 0 c i t i e s a n d c o u n t i e s i n C a l i f o r n i a

The U.S. DOL Proposed Rule

On October 13, 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed rule to revise DOL’s guidance on how to determine who is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and, thus, not subject to the minimum wage and overtime requirements the Act applies to “employees ” The goal of the B i d e n a d m i n i s t r a t i o n i n m a k i n g t h e p roposed change is to make it more difficult for employers to classify workers as independent contractors for FLSA purposes.

The newly proposed rule would establish a non-exhaustive six-factor “economic reality of the whole activity” test, in which none of the factors has predetermined weight. The six factors to be considered in determining for who qualifies as an independent contractor for FLSA purposes are: (1) opportunity for profit or loss depending on managerial skill; (2) investments by the worker and the employer; (3) degree of permanence of the work relationship; (4) nature and degree of c o n t ro l ; ( 5 ) e x t e n t t o w h i c h t h e w o r k p e rformed is an integral part of the employer ’s business and (6) skill and initiative

A d d i t i o n a l f a c t o r s m a y b e re l e v a n t i n d e t e r m i n i n g w h e t h e r t h e w o r k e r i s a n employee or independent contractor for purposes of the FLSA, if the factors in some way indicate whether the worker is in business for herself or himself, as opposed to being economically dependent on the employer for work.

Importantly, in the text of the discussion of the proposed rule, the DOL states: “Relatedly, the use of a personal vehicle that the

I n m any cases, the r eg ulatio ns that apply to TNC dr iv er s also apply to deliv er y dr iv er s These would include operations like Uber Eats, GrubHub and Instacart. Similar delivery operations would also fall under these same regulations CDZ FROM PIXABAY

Complicating everything else is the fact that new rules are expected from the U.S. Department of Labor that will impact interstate operations. The goal of the administration is to make it more difficult for employers to classify workers as independent contractors A revised rule was expected in early 2023, but the change of leadership at DOL might delay things. RICH SYNDRAM.

worker already owns to perform work – or t h a t t h e w o r k e r l e a s e s a s re q u i re d b y t h e employer to perform work – is generally not an investment that is capital or entrepreneurial in nature.” This would eliminate one factor that has been traditionally argued to demonstrate that a transportation driver is in business for himself as an independent contractor.

The proposed rule would rescind a 2021 DOL rule in which two core factors – control over the work and opportunity for profit or loss – carried greater weight in determining the status of independent contractors While i t h a d b e e n e x p e c t e d t h a t t h e D O L w o u l d p u b l i s h a r e v i s e d r u l e i n e a r l y 2 0 2 3 , t h e shake-up in leadership at DOL might delay that time frame

In any event, the courts remain ultimate arbiters of whether a particular individual o r g ro u p o f i n d i v i d u a l s a re e m p l o y e e s o r i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r s I f , h o w e v e r, t h e rule change is approved and the courts grant the new DOL rule the deference they typically do with “interpretive” rules, the weight they afford the new rule will depend in large part on the thoroughness evident in its consideration and the validity of its reasoning Having waited nearly two years to revisit the independent contractor issue, the Biden administration presumably believes the new rule will withstand judicial scrutiny However, even if the rule change is implemented and withstands judicial scrutiny, the change w i l l o n l y a p p l y t o w o r k e r c l a s s i fi c a t i o n under FLSA and will not apply to state wage laws, as discussed in the “Up Next for Transportation Business” section below

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Requirements

T h e F L S A e s t a b l i s h e s m i n i m u m w a g e , o v e r t i m e p a y, re c o rd k e e p i n g , a n d y o u t h employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in federal, state and l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t s . C o v e r e d n o n e x e m p t workers are entitled to a minimum wage of not less than $7 25 per hour (the federal minimum wage). In addition, employees are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek (any fixed and regularly recurring period of 168 hours – seven consecutive 24-hour periods).

The FLSA covers, or applies to, all employe e s o f “ e n t e r p r i s e s ” t h a t h a v e a t l e a s t t w o employees and an annual dollar volume of sales or receipts of at least $500,000 The FLSA also covers employees engaged in interstate or foreign commerce either by directly participating in the actual movement of persons or things in interstate commerce, or by doing work directly supporting the movement of goods in interstate commerce. Depending on the interplay of the applicable state, local and f e d e r a l l a w s , w h e t h e r i n h a r m o n y o r n o t , transportation companies should understand the FLSA requirements and prepare for any

employees are exempt from the law's

Exemptions from FLSA

While the FLSA requires that employers pay covered employees a minimum wage

r

i n c a t e g

r i

s o f e m p l o y e e s from the Act’s overtime wage requirements. Of relevance are the motor carrier exemption and the taxicab exemption, which have been applied to the limousine industry

Section 13(b)(1) of the FLSA provides an overtime exemption for employees of motor carriers (those who provide transportation by motor vehicle for pay) if the U.S. Secretary of Transportation has the power to regulate their minimum qualifications and maximum h o u r s o f s e r v i c e u n d e r t h e M o t o r C a r r i e r Act Only drivers, drivers’ helpers or loaders who are responsible for proper loading of motor vehicles that are to be used in transportation of passengers or property in inters t a t e c o m m e r c e c a n b e e x e m p t f r o m t h e overtime provisions of the FLSA under Section 13(b)(1)

Section 13(b)(17) of the FLSA provides a “ t a x i c a b e x e m p t i o n ” t h a t a p p l i e s t o “ a n y driver employed by an employer engaged i n t h e b u s i n e s s o f o p e r a t i n g t a x i c a b s ” I n 2 0 1 8 , t h e U . S . S e c o n d C i r c u i t C o u r t o f Appeals – which covers Connecticut New York, and Vermont – found that a limousine service qualified for the taxicab exemption, and the limousine drivers had no statutory right to overtime pay. Munoz-Gonzalez v. D L C Limousine Serv , Inc , 904 F 3d 208,

210 (2d Cir 2018) In Munoz-Gonzalez, the court created a three-part test for defining a taxicab for the purposes of the FLSA. Under Munoz-Gonzalez, a taxicab is: “(1) a chauffeured passenger vehicle; (2) available for hire by individual members of the general public; (3) that has no fixed schedule, fixed route or fixed termini.” However, other circ u i t c o u r t s o f a p p e a l s a n d f e d e r a l d i s t r i c t courts around the country have refused to e x e m p t l i m o u s i n e c o m p a n y e m p l o y e r s under the taxicab exemption

Up Next for Transportation Businesses

Prop 22 will only impact app-based driv e r s f o r T N C s a n d d e l i v e r y c o m p a n i e s i n C a l i f o r n i a W h i l e t h e p ro p o s e d D O L ru l e c h a n g e w i l l i m p a c t c o m p a n i e s a c ro s s t h e cou n t r y w i t h re sp e ct t o f e de r a l mi n i mu m and overtime wage law, it will have no direct bearing on the tests used by the states and o t h e r a re a s o f t h e f e d e r a l g o v e r n m e n t t o determine collective bargaining and unionization rights, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation or other labor a n d e m p l o y m e n t l a w s o u t s i d e t h e F L S A . The rules for worker classification can differ drastically under the various state laws, and must be considered on a state-by-state basis

Transportation companies should consider that any worker ’s compensation and unemployment claims will not be affected b y t h e p r o p o s e d D O L r u l e c h a n g e . A s a result, the analysis for those types of claims in the company’s jurisdiction will continue in the same manner However, as the notion of employee-drivers becomes more widespread, accepted or demanded, the admini s t r a t i v e l a w j u d g e s a n d re g u l a t o r s c o u l d

Regulations on limousine drivers may be different in various states. In New York, Connecticut and Vermont, limousine service qualifies for the taxicab exemption and hence limousine drivers have no right to overtime pay However, other courts have refused to exempt limousine company employees. DOMINGO TREJO.

shift away from finding drivers as independent contractors at all levels of government and enforcement. In those cases, those companies may have causes of action to present constitutional challenges or other civil remedies depending on the applicable local, state or federal law

States and local governments may implement laws similar to, or less protective than, Prop 22, while other states continue to treat

app-based drivers as independent contractors regardless of pressure from other states and the federal government. TNCs generally want to bring Prop 22 clones to other states

stated, “I think Prop 22 has now created a structure for us to discuss with

, potentially We think that Prop 22 has now created a model that can be replicated and can be scaled.”12 These attempts have fallen

flat in recent times For example, the highest court in Massachusetts struck down a similar ballot initiative in total.13

“ I t w a s n ’ t , i n t h e e n d , a c a s e a b o u t whether gig workers should be employees or independent contractors, or about tort liability. It was about the power of well-funded companies to use their bazillions to get their way In this sense, the broad-based campaign opposing the ballot initiative struck at the crux of the issue when the campaign leaders chose their name: Massachusetts Is Not For Sale They came together: workers, unions, civil rights and immigrant rights’ organizations, environmentalists, seniors and more, to make sure that massive out-of-state companies didn’t get to rewrite long-established protective workplace laws.”

These legal skirmishes are setting the stage for “David versus Goliath” battles in local, state and federal courts throughout the country, which will create a patchwork of standards for determining employment status based on the differing outcomes The federal standards, although expected to be more protective, will only apply to interstate operators engaged in interstate commerce, while on the other hand we will see local market operators’ reluctance to change business models unless required to do so at the state and local level through enforcement For some jurisdictions, these changes will be slow to materialize – if at all because of a lack of political will and market operator reluctance

For example, prior case law made in the Sacramento Superior Court created a hard and fast rule that shuttlebus and van operators are per se independent contractors, which

B i l l S 2 0 5 2 i n N e w Yo r k w o u l d p r o v i d e the rather strict “ABC” t e s t f o r i n d e p e n d e n t contractors Currently, C a l i f o r n i a , N e w J e rs e y, M a s s a c h u s e t t s and Vermont already u s e t h i s t e s t i n t h e i r w a g e a n d h o u r l a w s . Tw e n t y - s i x o t h e r s t a t e s u s e s o m e v e rs i o n o f i t i n t h e i r unemployment laws LUU THI MIBH.

What may well happen in the future is that the TNC companies and others may want to bring clones of Proposition 22 to other states. This would effectively exclude TNC and delivery drivers from the standard employment rules Many states may be opposed to this since they would prefer to see employees rather than independent contactors MIKE FROM PIXABAY

at the time, stopped the Labor Commissioner “from considering wage claims filed by such d r i v e r s b e c a u s e t h e S a c r a m e n t o S u p e r i o r C o u r t p re v i o u s l y f o u n d t h e d r i v e r s w e re independent contractors, not employees.” SuperShuttle Int'l, Inc v Lab & Workforce Dev Agency, 40 Cal App 5th 1058, 1061, 253 Cal. Rptr. 3d 666, 670 (2019). This case shows u s t h e p o w e r o f p r e c e d e n t , w h i c h l i k e l y shaped Prop 22 to be applicable only to TNC workers and not all for-hire drivers, and will play out similarly in other states – notwithstanding strong federal regulation or local enforcement of new reclassification laws

In New York, a bill (S2052) would implement the “ABC” test for the Empire State

H o w e v e r, a v e r s i o n o f t h i s s a m e b i l l h a s been introduced and languished in the past two legislative sessions. Whether this legi s l a t i v e p r o p o s a l h a s a n y t r a c t i o n t o b e e n a c t e d i s y e t t o b e s e e n . I f p a s s e d , S 2 0 5 2 w o u l d c l a s s i f y w o r k e r s a s e m p l o y e e s unless: (a) the worker is free from the cont ro l o f t h e h i r i n g e n t i t y ; ( b ) t h e w o r k p e rformed is outside the hiring entity's bailiw i c k ; a n d ( c ) t h e w o r k e r i s “ c u s t o m a r i l y e n g a g e d ” i n t h e t y p e o f w o r k h e o r s h e i s hired to do California, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Vermont already use the ABC test in their wage and hour laws Twentysix states use some version of the ABC test i n t h e i r u n e m p l o y m e n t l a w s . Te n s t a t e s , i n c l u d i n g N e w Yo r k , a p p l y i t b ro a d l y t o

labor laws within a particular sector, typically construction or landscaping

There are a variety of different legal standards that will apply to those situations. It w i l l b e i m p o r t a n t f o r b u s i n e s s e s t h a t u s e independent contractors to coordinate with legal counsel to develop a workforce strategy that works best among this patchwork o f o b l i g a t i o n s N o w i s t h e t i m e f o r t r a n sportation companies that use independent c o n t r a c t o r s t o m i n i m i z e r i s k C o m p a n i e s should be looking at their driver agreements a n d w o r k e r c l a s s i fi c a t i o n p r a c t i c e s t o s e e how they align with current and proposed new rules. Proactive measures for compliance will be the key to success q

1 https://news bloomberglaw com/daily-labor-report/su-dol-nomination-faces-business-lobby-senate-absence-hurdles

2128 Yale L J 254, 326 n 181 (2018)

3 https://electionresults sos ca gov/returns/ballot-measures

4https://www oag ca gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/19-0026A1%20%28App-Based%20Drivers%29 pdf

5https://www law360 com/articles/1585530/drivers-can-be-contractors-calif-panel-mostly-backs-prop-22?copied=1

6Uber Technologies, Inc , Registration Statement (Form S-1) (Apr 11, 2019),

www sec gov/Archives/edgar/data/1543151/000119312519103850/d647752ds1 htm#toc647752 2

7See Proposition 22, art. 3 (compensation), art. 4 (benefits), and art. 5 (antidiscrimination and public safety).

8Proposition 22, § 7453

9Id at § 7454

10Proposition 22 §7458

11Proposition 22, art 7

12https://www washingtonpost com/technology/2020/11/05/uber-prop22/

13https://prospect org/justice/in-massachusetts-limit-on-gig-companies-deceptions/

Notes on Non-Profits Operating Vehicles

by Dave Millhouser

Ihave always thought a hypocrite was an i l l t e m p e re d b e a s t t h a t l i v e d i n A f r i c a n rivers (not a Rhinoceros – they have horns a n d a r e h a r d t o s p e l l ) I m a g i n e t h e s h o c k when I discovered I was one.

Those unfortunate enough to read these columns over the years may have figured out that my gang was involved in some outrageous

bussy behavior while driving for a youth organization. You may think the Statute of Limitations is a monument in New York harbor, but to me it is forgiveness for past sins

Hang on – we are turning on a dime here

D e s p i t e p e r s o n a l h i s t o r y, I h a v e s w u n g t o t h e c o n c l u s i o n t h a t m a n y n o n - p r o f i t s

s h o u l d t a k e a s e c o n d l o o k a t o p e r a t i n g v e h i c l e s , p a r t i c u l a r l y i n h i g h w a y t r a n sportation Although we feel charter pricing i s d e p r e s s e d , n o n - p r o f i t s t h i n k i t i s t o o e x p e n s i v e t o h i re a c o m m e rc i a l b u s . R e g ul a t o r y a n d e c o n o m i c f a c t o r s h a v e s h r u n k t h e n u m b e r o f a v a i l a b l e c h a r t e r c o a c h e s nationwide making seasonal trips more diff i c u l t t o b o o k

The best travel option is to charter buses from a reliable and established commercial bus operator. They will have a fleet of coaches that are safe and reliable because they are well maintained In addition, they will provide drivers that are licensed, experienced and well trained ABC COMPANIES

It is coupled with the fact that used coach v a l u e s a re d o w n d r a m a t i c a l l y, a n d m a n y s c h o o l s , c h u r c h e s a n d o r g a n i z a t i o n s a r e tempted to buy and operate their own buses and vans. You can not blame manufacturers for selling used equipment wherever they can (although they, and over-regulation, may be partly to blame for the glut).

Caveat Emptor (a bit of Latin to dazzle you) Buyer beware – or “careful of what you ask for, you might get it ” Buying a used coach (or van) is easy, but safely operating and maintaining it often comes at a much steeper price

than imagined – gripping a tiger by the tail springs to mind A pre-owned bus is cheap because it is – used In addition to wear that m a y n o t b e v i s i b l e , i t l i k e l y l a c k s b o t h t h e amenities and safety technology that is virtually standard on newer coaches

Many motorcoach companies safely buy a n d o p e r a t e o l d e r e q u i p m e n t , b u t t h a t i s because they have invested in the infrastructure and expertise that makes things work Non-profits often assume commercial vehicles are like cars. Drive them, and fix them w h e n t h e y b r e a k T h e y a r e n o t l i k e c a t s ,

Vans are favorite vehicles among non-profits for smaller groups. Their advantage to non-profit operators in that smaller vehicles require less licensing requirements for drivers They also carry a reasonably low price tag BRILLIANT VANS

happy to be ignored Think Golden Retriever puppy – they need attention all the time

Doing things safely costs money If nonprofits played by the same rules as commercial vehicles, we would look like a real barg a i n T h e y h a v e n o m i n i m u m i n s u r a n c e requirements, and often are not subject to the same inspections Getting a DOT number is pretty much automatic, and anecdotally, virtually the only time they are audited is a f t e r a m a j o r i n c i d e n t , a n d t h e y a r e n o t “rated.”

Drivers are required to have CDLs and drug testing if traveling interstate, but most are part time with the non-profit All sorts of hours-of-service conflicts lurk, often only coming to light after an accident Vans are scarier If their seating capacity is under 16, n o C D L i s re q u i re d . I n re a l l i f e , t h a t o f t e n e q u a t e s t o a d r i v e r w i t h n o p r o f e s s i o n a l experience, operating a vehicle with a high center of gravity. Fully loaded, chances are that sucker is overweight by a lot

Go back a couple of paragraphs to the part where there insurance coverage may be minimal. During my bad old days we skirted a few rules because we were “virtuous ” Experience has convinced me that you may be able to schmooze a policeman, but Mother Nature and lawyers are less forgiving

T h e n o n - p ro f i t w h e re m y g a n g s t a r t e d n o t o n l y n o l o n g e r r u n s b u s e s , b u t h a s enacted a rigorous program to ensure they hire quality operators for their camping prog r a m I ro n i c a l l y, t h e g u y w h o d e v e l o p e d their protocol was our leading miscreant.

Enough of this – it is summer, and I am considering heading to Greece to visit the Acronym q

Sur vival and Pr osperityby

Ned Einstein

Increasing Ridership by Discounting Cash Fares

Recruiting or soliciting would-be passeng e r s i n t o d a y ’ s w o r l d o f s c a m s , t r i c k s , poverty and minimal free time is a serious challenge Now and then a burst of insight may help a attract a handful of additional passengers. One innovative approach that appears viable is the result of the avalanche of ads plastering us about credit cards offering “cash back ”

Cash Back and Skip Forward

Credit cards offering cash back is partly an effort by certain credit card ologopolices to compete with a few fellow credit card oligopolies The other part of it is the hidden scam of credit cards that we have gotten used to and accepted – or which some or us do not realize is going on. Now with “cash-back” incentives, the “cut” (or “vigorish”) these companies extract from their vendors has understandably increased Compounding these hidden costs even further – never mind the usurious interest rates they charge their c u s t o m e r s w h e n t h e y d o n o t p a y o ff t h e i r credit card bills almost immediately – credit card companies engage brokers (called “Merchant Account Companies”) to help process the payments The vendors have little choice but to pass on all or some of these costs to their customers in the form of higher prices.

In bygone days, when credit cards were introduced, I understood that it was illegal for vendors to charge customers less when they paid cash Either this taboo (with a regulatory basis or not) has been removed, or it is being ignored by certain vendors who recognize there can be no remote enforcement of it These vendors are hard to find I bump into them often because, residing in New York State in a town lying on the New Jersey border, I try to fuel my car and truck i n N e w J e r s e y – o n e o f t h e t w o s t a t e s ( t h e o t h e r i s O re g o n ) w h i c h d i d n o t e l i m i n a t e “pump jockeys” around 1973, when our first “ e n e r g y c r i s i s ” s t r u c k , a n d u n o f fi c i a l l y kicked off the U S Jobs Elimination Program ( J E P ) N o w, w h e n I p u l l i n t o f u e l u p , a n employee immediately asks me, “Will this [transaction] be cash or credit [card]?” Presumably, this question is asked because the price for fuel paid for in cash is less (Otherwise, why would a pump jockey ask?) If one is poor, or in a highly-competitive business like trucking, and with fuel prices considerable, this difference can be oppressive

Outside the two states noted, paying in c a s h m e a n s g e t t i n g o u t o f y o u r v e h i c l e , w a l k i n g i n t o t h e s t o re o r k i o s k , p l o p p i n g down a large bill, returning to your vehicle to pump the fuel and, finally, returning into the store or kiosk to retrieve the change Simply sticking your credit card into the pump i s f a r m o re c o n v e n i e n t – a t l e a s t i n w a r m , fair weather. At the personal car level, one at least has a choice One does not have such a choice when reserving a flight One easily could on motorcoach service – following the model outlined below.

Vigorish and Rigorous

These realities – particularly the recent inundation of ads about “cash back” – make m e t h i n k h a r d a b o u t u s i n g c r e d i t c a r d s (which I use minimally – often when I have no choice) Because most credit card companies and their brokers’ work is performed by robots, and with most banks answering their phones only with more robots, credit card companies generate huge profits As these companies are hardly charities, and as the vendors are likely forced to pass all or m u c h o f t h e s e c o s t s o n t o t h e i r c u s t o m e r s , t h o s e v e n d o r s a ff o rd i n g t h e i r c u s t o m e r s ’ choices to avoid these costs offer them something special – something many customers appreciate

I n t h e d i s t a n t p a s t – l o n g b e f o re “ c a s h b a c k ” b e c a m e p a r t o f t h e c o m m e r c i a l scheme – I understood that the companies skimmed roughly four to five percent of the cost of any good or service paid for with a credit card off the top Now, with some companies giving card-holders five percent cash back for certain transaction (airline flights seem to provide the highest percentage of cash-back), I suspect that these companies m a y b e s k i m m i n g o ff a n e v e n h i g h e r p e rcentage of the costs of certain transactions Illustrating how these costs are passed on to the customer, I used to buy a pair of reading g l a s s e s o r s u n g l a s s e s f o r $ 1 a t T h e D o l l a r

Store Even in this bargain bonanza, many c u s t o m e r s s t i l l p a y w i t h c r e d i t c a r d s . Recently, the cost of these glasses increased to $1 25

Certain types of unsubsidized transportation service may be obtained only with the use of credit cards, directly or indirectly (see h t t p s : / / t r a n s a l t . c o m / a r t i c l e / d r i v e r s - vrobots-part-8-collecting-the-fares-skimmingthe-passengers/) These modes include commercial airlines (see https://transalt com/ article/expanding-the-mode-split-dividingline-part-1-exponential-airline-industry-corruption/) and transportation network comp a n i e s ( T N C s ) , l i k e U b e r a n d Ly f t ( s e e h t t p s : / / t r a n s a l t . c o m / a r t i c l e / t r a n s p o r t ation-network-companies-even-worse-thanexpected/) Many other modes, including taxis, limousines, subsidized fixed route transit (in most parts of the country), intercity p a s s e n g e r r a i l a n d m o t o rc o a c h e s p ro v i d e s e r v i c e t h a t c a n b e p a i d f o r b y c a s h o r through other instruments (tickets, fare cards, passes) or by direct credit card swipes. When these instruments are paid for with credit cards, the vendors – commonly subway services – simply retain less revenue, since they have to pay the credit card companies (and their brokers) their cut (or “vigorish”) As a consequence, the subsidies to those services which receive them (like fixed route transit), provided by taxpayers, must go up.

The use of credit cards to pay for transp o r t a t i o n s e r v i c e h a s i n c re a s e d r a d i c a l l y w i t h t h e g ro w t h a n d c o m m o n u s e o f We b s i t e s a n d a p p s T h e re a l i t y o f t h e “ v i g o rish” creamed off by credit card companies re m a i n e d a c o n s t a n t f o r y e a r s , o r p e rh a p s d e c a d e s . T h i s v i g o r i s h i s e x p o n e n t i a l l y greater for TNCs, since they use their pass e n g e r s ’ c re d i t c a rd n u m b e r ( s ) t o t a p i n t o their riders’ personal information, and that o f a n y o n e i n t h e s e p a s s e n g e r s ’ s o c i a l m e d i a n e t w o r k s , t o s t e a l a n d s e l l i t t o f e ll o w - S i l i c o n Va l l e y “ a s s o c i a t e s ” a n d t h o s e l o c a t e d t h r o u g h t h e c o u n t r y ( a n d s o m e abroad). Otherwise, it is inconceivable that t h i s v i g o r i s h h a s n o t g o n e u p f o r t h o s e m o d e s f o r w h i c h p a s s e n g e r s ’ c re d i t c a rd s o ff e r “ c a s h b a c k ”

Then, of course, there is the corruption o f i n fl a t e d c h a rg e s F ro m s o m e v e n d o r s –p a r t i c u l a r l y t h o s e w h i c h “ a u t o - d e d u c t ” monthly payments from credit cards – I am regularly overcharged Often only by a tiny percentage While I could successfully refute them, I cannot afford to spend an hour on the phone, fighting through layers of robots, to refute a 40-cent overcharge on a $20 item C a n w e e x p e c t a t r a n s i t a g e n c y o r m o t o r-

Sur vival and Pr osperity

coach company to do this? Since the answer is surely “no,” the money lost by selling rides through credit cards is yet greater than the agreed-upon vigorish

A n u n u s u a l o p p o r t u n i t y f o r o t h e r t r a n s p o r t a t i o m o d e s a b l e t o a c c e p t cash as payment.

Opportunities and Costs

The existence of this vigorish – particular as it is exaggerated by TNCs, to which passengers’ tacitly or unknowingly agree when they “accept” the terms of their rides – prov i d e s a n u n u s u a l o p p o r t u n i t y f o r o t h e r transportation modes able to accept cash as payment, and savvy enough to employ this opportunity rigorously This is particularly true for those motorcoach operators that “get the phone” with a live Earthling, or after a single, simple and short menu When this occurs, the person taking the reservation has an opportunity to make a simple statement: “If you pay cash, we will discount your trip by X percent – and we won’t steal your personal information ” This receptionist should be prepared to explain how TNCs steal your i n f o r m a t i o n , w h i c h t h e y c a n e a s i l y l e a r n about from reading a former NATIONAL BUS T R A D E R a r t i c l e o f m i n e ( s e e https://transalt.com/article/uber-and-lyftdefendants-most-vulnerable-lawsuits-mostlucrative-2/) On the remote chance a TNC might sue you for disclosing such information, your attorney merely needs to engage me These companies would relocate to Saturn long before they would allow someone with the evidence I possess to share it with a jury, on the record, in a courtroom flooded with news reporters

Offering cash fares is not quite cost-free

A company doing so must process the fare collection This means that drivers must not only collect fares, but also make change The company must install a means of ensuring that drivers do not pocket some of the fares. The cash must be turned in, counted, reconciled with other indicators documenting ride r s h i p , a n d d e p o s i t e d i n t o b a n k s M o t o rcoach services in many parts of the country – p a r t i c u l a r l y w h e n d e p l o y e d i n c o mmuter/express service or intercity/scheduled service – are already equipped to perform these functions. As poverty in America continues to rise, credit card availability will l i k e l y d e c re a s e f o r p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n users of certain modes (particularly fixed route transit and complementary paratransit service) If motorcoach companies offered reduced fares in return for cash payments,

t h e p e rc e n t a g e o f r i d e s p a i d f o r b y c re d i t c a r d w o u l d s h r i n k – a n d t h e c o m p a n y ’ s profits would increase There is no need for m e t o re m i n d m o t o rc o a c h o p e r a t o r s h o w thin their profit margins already are – and how difficult it is to find qualified drivers, much less fill passenger seats to capacity

T h e b o t t o m l i n e i s t h a t m o t o rc o a c h c o m p a n i e s need more riders.

I n t r u t h , f a r e c o l l e c t i o n e f f o r t s m a y i n v o l v e m o r e c o s t s t h a n t h e v i g o r i s h creamed off by credit card companies Even if they do, the notion of offering discounted fares, and the opportunity to share information to riders about the true costs of traveling by TNC, are likely worth it The bottom line i s t h a t m o t o rc o a c h c o m p a n i e s n e e d m o re riders If it costs as much (or slightly more) to process cash fare payments than it does to pay off credit card companies, who cares? The critical decision-maker in this process i s n o t t h e m o t o r c o a c h c o m p a n y I t i s t h e w o u l d - b e p a s s e n g e r – a d e c i s i o n - m a k e r increasingly concerned with travel costs

Twists and Turns

Were a would-be passenger contacting a m o t o rc o a c h c o m p a n y t o p a y f o r a t r i p b y credit card to cancel the trip, he/she would have to call that company in advance of the scheduled trip and ask for a refund – and that company would have notify the bank (of the credit card used) to issue a refund to t h e w o u l d - b e p a s s e n g e r E v e n a c c e p t i n g payment from a credit card is not foolproof or effortless This reality may occasionally t r a n s l a t e i n t o a d i ff e re n t s c e n a r i o w h e n a would-be passenger making a reservation, but paying in cash (upon boarding), fails to cancel his or her trip and turns into a “noshow.” The percentage of such would-be riders is hard to estimate (“No-show” rates are extremely high in complementary paratransit service because on-time performance is often abysmal. It is hard to know what percentage of fixed route transit passengers simp l y g i v e u p w h e n t h e i r v e h i c l e s a re l a t e , because they do not make advanced reserv a t i o n s . ) R e a l i s t i c a l l y, t h o s e w h o m e re l y reserved a trip for which they would later pay cash, and who chose to cancel it, might not have the courtesy to notify the service provider of the cancellation – although a service provider that “gets the phone” would more likely receive this cancellation (In contrast, someone needing to spend 15 minutes on hold would not bother.) It would involve little effort to ask the would-be passenger to c o n fi r m t h e t r i p a d a y b e f o r e i t s

d e p a r t u re : . R o b o t s d o t h i s a l l t h e t i m e f o r everything from doctors appointments to haircuts Such efforts would greatly reduce t h e r i s k o f “ n o - s h o w s , ” a n d w o u l d g i v e motorcoach companies opportunities to fill newly-available seats (perhaps at a discount, like Megabus used to do – and may still do)

Otherwise, telling a would-be passenger to pay cash upon boarding could be accompanied by some form of reservation guarantee Hotels perform this function regularly Their reception clerks take your credit card number, and “hold it” just in case you incur expenses during your stay Motorcoach comp a n i e s c o u l d d e v e l o p s o m e f o r m o f t h i s process to ensure that “no-shows” will translate into cancellations – and, if not, that some penalty will be charged I see nothing wrong with a reservation clerk informing wouldbe passengers that he or she needs to call in advance to cancel – otherwise, he or she will be charged a penalty for the trip To accomm o d a t e t h i s p r a c t i c e , c o m p a n i e s w o u l d l i k e l y n e e d t o h a v e a c re d i t c a rd n u m b e r available – to ensure payment for the “noshow,” and to discourage would-be passengers from failing to cancel a reservation In fact, for tour and intercity motorcoach services, trips fully-booked could have a “waiti n g l i s t ” w h e r e b y p a s s e n g e r s o r i g i n a l l y denied a trip could be notified when their “stand by” status is upgraded to an acceptance (when those originally reserving trips cancelled them)

While some would-be passengers might be distrustful of giving a motorcoach company their credit card number for a trip for which they would pay cash, the motorcoach company should keep two things in mind:

1 H o t e l s d o t h i s r o u t i n e l y, a n d m o s t travelers are aware of the process and the need for it

2. A motorcoach company that “gets the phone” immediately with a live Earthling is far more likely to convey a sense of trust to the passenger

In this latter case, imbued with a sense of t r u s t , m u c h l e s s o ff e re d a c h a n c e t o s a v e m o n e y b y a c o m p a n y w h o s e s t a ff g o t t h e p h o n e i n s t a n t l y, a w o u l d - b e p a s s e n g e r would likely not mind giving the company a credit card number All credit card holders know that they can call their credit card’s bank to dispute a charge, and that when they dispute charges relentlessly, their “word” is usually taken, and credit is issued Unfortunately, this can mean time on the phone, often with layers of robots. Eventually the c u s t o m e r w i l l g e t t h e c re d i t ( e ff e c t i v e l y a refund for a trip not taken) Ultimately the w o u l d - b e p a s s e n g e r e x p e r i e n c e s n o r i s k Otherwise, his or her comfort would likely be increased further if the service provider promises to send them a “reminder” about

Sur vival and Pr osperity

the trip a day or two in advance by e-mail or text – to which those wishing to cancel it can easily reply As noted, this latter effort can easily be performed by robots – as many confirmations for all sorts of things are done now (mostly through e-mails or text messages) without seriously inconveniencing the customers

Fleshing out the Bones

This idea is, of course, only a skeleton Each company must put a bit of time into c r e a t i n g t h e s t r u c t u r e a n d m e c h a n i c s t o make it work Within this skeleton, as per t h e s k e t c h p ro v i d e d a b o v e , l i e s a s i m p l e means of increasing ridership I feel confident that be would-customers and wouldbe passengers would appreciate the opport u n i t y t o s a v e m o n e y t h a t a c o m p a n y offering such a discount would present

Otherwise, to make this approach really work, and to make customers feel comfortable with the responsibility to pay for the trip if they fail to cancel it, motorcoach companies must answer the phone live Like it or not –and the largest companies will like it the least

this is always, and will always be, a bottom line booster to revenue-generating and profitmaking The rarity of companies answering their phones makes one that does so special

i n t h e m i n d s o f c o n s u m e r s T h i s h a s a l s o become a footnote of many neighborly and friendship conversations and social media exchanges: “Hey, did you know that Corporation X gets the phone?” In my local community, this is the highest form of praise a vendor of any kind can get. It is my way of rewarding them for providing this form of service The point is that this approach will not only facilitate the cash-discount innovation described above, but will help the company’s image and business in general

T h i s i d e a i s b u t a s m a l l o n e t h a t m i g h t i n c r e a s e r i d e r s h i p o n l y s l i g h t l y, t r i p b y t r i p , o v e r t i m e A f t e r s e t t i n g u p t h e c a s hprocessing structure, there is nothing more t o i t ( a p a r t f ro m t h e f a c t t h a t a c o m p a n y o f f e r i n g “ c a s h d i s c o u n t s ” m a y b e n e f i t f r o m a d v e r t i s i n g t h e s e r v i c e t h a t c o m e s with it) No legislation needed No lobby-

ing. No investment. No legalities. No risks. J u s t m o re p a s s e n g e r s , m o re re v e n u e a n d m o re p ro f i t s

would

Gain and Necessity

One highly-profit-making leach of modern society – credit card companies – has created a unique opportunity for certain indust r i e s t h a t c o u l d p r o v i d e b e n e fi t s t o t h e i r customers by helping them circumvent these added costs Given the trade-offs noted, why would a motorcoach company not offer this discount? Why would one not take advant a g e o f a l l t h e o t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n - s h a r i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s t h a t c o u l d a c c o m p a n y i t , which might make customers more likely to t a k e a d d i t i o n a l m o t o r c o a c h t r i p s i n t h e f u t u re , a n d m a k e t h e m m o re l o y a l t o t h e companies that offered to help them in this unique way?

Absolutely the finest dump valve ever.

• Air powered version since 1985.

• All parts easily replaceable

DUPREE PRODUCTS

Phone: (888) 668-4288

Fax: (905) 374-3796

www.dupreeproducts.com

58 North Rd. (CT-140), East Windsor, CT 06088 860-627-6540 | www.ct-trolley.org

P a r t i cu l a r l y a s re su l t of C O V I D , mu ch less other factors that have decreased ridership in recent years (including the decreasing ability of many would-be riders to take m o t o rc o a c h t r i p s o f c e r t a i n t y p e s a t a l l ) –a l o n g w i t h t h e s l i m p r o fi t m a r g i n s m o s t m o t o r c o a c h o p e r a t o r s e a r n – a s a v v y m o t o r c o a c h c o m p a n y w o u l d d o w e l l t o employ every idea to increase ridership it can find – even if the increase is not dramatic, and even if some additional work is needed to put such an approach into effect

D e c l i n i n g r i d e r s h i p i s t h e p l i g h t t h e motorcoach industry finds itself in. Offering a solution to increased costs from today’s highly-advertised “cash-back” environment – part of which must be borne by the passengers in the form of increased fares – may n o t s i m p l y b e a n o p p o r t u n i t y F o r m a n y motorcoach operators teetering on the brink of survival, it may be a necessity

The opinions expressed in this article are that of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of National Bus Trader, Inc or its staff and management. q

Ned Einstein is the president of Transportation Alternatives (www.transalt.com [1]), a p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n w i t n e s s fi r m Einstein (einstein@transit com) specializes in catastrophic motorcoach accidents

I n m y l o c a l c o m m u n i t y, this is the highest for m of p r a i s e a v e n d o r

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

When you are planning a group trip, there is no better place than Myrtle Beach Beautiful sandy beaches, warm Southern hospitality and endless attractions and activities are just a few of the many advantages to planning group travel to South Carolina’s Grand Strand Myrtle Beach boasts a warm subtropical climate with pleasant year-round weather and 60 miles of uninterrupted Atlantic coastline

The 1.2-mile-long, award-winning oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade is filled with shops, entertainment, dining, beach access, a pier and the 200-foot-high SkyWheel

Groups looking for adventure – especially those younger travelers

absolutely love Myrtle Beach’s water parks, parasailing adventures, water sports and other similar attractions. Two Tanger Outlet centers along with Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach and Coastal Grand Mall offer great variety and value, while boutiques at The Market Common and The Hammock Shops Village offer local products and specialty items.

There are more than 2,000 area eateries offering some of the best feel-good food, including the Carolina coastal cuis i n e t h a t M y r t l e B e a c h i s k n o w n f o r. From boardwalk classics, farm-to-table fare, fresh seafood and more, your group will have their mouths full of options. Plan some meals featuring Calabash or Lowcountry cuisine to give your group

a true taste of the region, including dishes like shrimp & grits and hushpuppies

evening spent at one of the area’s theaters Check out award-winning shows at the Alabama Theatre, The Carolina Opry Theater, Legends in Concert and Broadway Theater Or enjoy a little magic, Motown and fun in an intimate setting at the GTS Theatre You can also travel back in time and experience knights or pirates at either Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament or Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show Many of these shows also offer spectacular holiday entertainment that begins each year in November. From time-honored classics to new traditions, the Myrtle Beach area offers a beachy winter wonderful that dazzles

Spend your days taking advantage of more than 500,000 square feet of pristine facilities for conferences, performances, tournaments and sporting events, while never traveling too far from our sandy shores to

o n t h e b e a c h o r waterfront meal in between events. Of course, the best part of group travel in Myrtle Beach are the activities you can experience when your events are done, such as exploring Brookgreen Gardens, the African American History Museums or short trips to hidden gems across the

Last but not least, the Myrtle Beach

t

o t e l s and resorts with excellent amenities and National Bus Trader / May, 2023 •

Broadway at the Beach

Pier 14

group services Choose between suites with plenty of space to spread out or classic hotel rooms with stunning ocean views If a little rest and relaxation is what your group is looking for, they can indulge at one of the Grand Strand’s many luxurious spas and relax poolside –two amenities of several area resorts.

Your group deserves an unforgettable experience The Beach, with its eclectic and ever-growing mix of activities and accommodations, can deliver The helpful sales team has put together guides that allow you to explore the many facets of our beautiful coastal destination and highlight how The Beach can best accommodate the needs and priorities of your group Contact Group Sales Manager Sandy Haines at (843) 916-7248 or sandy haines@visitmyrtlebeach com for more information on accommodations, trip itineraries and more q

Skywheel

The Carolina Opry

GROUP TOUR?

BRING IT TO

In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, your group has no shortage of activities to help them reconnect and bond. Sixty miles of beaches, 90 golf courses, 2,000 restaurants, botanical gardens, plus live theaters and music every night of the week is just scratching the surface. There's no better place to get together than The Beach

VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Groups

From resorts to villas – ideal accommodations to suit any group.

60 miles of beaches and endless off-beach activities. Scan

Please, include

list

There is a lot of interest in the new TDX27 Astromega double-decker that Van Hool recently built for M G Cars in Belgium with 98 passenger seats plus a seat for the driver and tour guide. Our thanks to Van Hool for sending us these photos of the coach.

Left: Upper level, looking from back to front

Right: Lower level looking from front to back

The Curious Coachowner

Number 293 of a Series

“ T h e C u r i o u s C o a c h o w n e r ” i s a q u e s t i o n a n d a n s w e r c o l u m n t h a t p ro v i d e s s i m p l e a n s w e r s t o s i m p l e q u e s t i o n s t h a t a re t o o shor t to warrant a full ar ticle or inclusion in one of our regular columns We will accept re a s o n a b l y s i m p l e t e c h n i c a l o r h i s t o r i c a l questions on coaches, buses or even conver ted coach shells by letter, fax, e-mail or phone If our staff is unable to answer them, w e w i l l c a l l u p o n o u r p a n e l o f e x p e r t s Names and addresses should be submitted w i t h y o u r q u e s t i o n s , b u t w e w i l l w i t h h o l d n a m e s f r o m p u b l i c a t i o n o n r e q u e s t W e reserve the right to modify questions to make them more useful to our readers

Q Does anyone know why MCI skipped model numbers MC-10 and MC-11? Did these apply to models that were never built?

–– Reader in Ontario

A The ongoing presumption over the years is that these numbers were assigned to models being developed that either were not put into p r o d u c t i o n o r h a d t h e i r m o d e l n u m b e r s changed prior to production We presume that someone at MCI knows or knew the answer to these questions, but we have never heard anything or seen anything in print

If you want to speculate, I can name four different types of coaches built between the MC-9 and the MC-12 that could have been candidates for these model designations Here they are in order

• A few two-axle MC-9 coaches were built for suburban service in the New York City area, effectively matching the two-axle, 40foot GM coach These were designated as model MC-9X but might have carried one of the missing numbers had they gone into regular production This two-axle arrangem e n t w a s o ff e re d i n 1 9 8 4 u n d e r t h e n e w model scheme and was then designated as model 96A2

• MCI announced a Special Edition of the MC-9 in July of 1989 that featured both an attractive interior and special price Maybe this was intended to have a different model number I might note that more than 9,500 M C - 9 c o a c h e s w e re p ro d u c e d , m a k i n g i t the most popular 40-foot coach of all time

• When there was talk about expanding federal length limitations to 45 feet, MCI built a

prototype 45-foot coach in late 1989 It was a lengthened 102A3 model A single coach was produced and sold to Florida Coach to have a converted interior installed No additional units like this were built

• The fourth example was a project funded i n p a r t b y t h e C a n a d i a n G o v e r n m e n t t o develop a prototype accessible coach The resulting 45-foot coach made its debut in Winnipeg on May 8, 1990 It was noteworthy for having several amenities for the handicapped including a wheelchair lift at the rear, a large accessible restroom and sliding pass e n g e r s e a t s o v e r w h e e l c h a i r t i e - d o w n s Many of the features of this coach were continued in the new 102DL3 model that went into production at the end of 1992

The following MC-12 model, which became t h e l a s t m o d e l i n t h e M C - s e r i e s , w a s fi r s t built in 1992 This model was suggested by Greyhound Lines that had recently suffered bankruptcy They eschewed both the new 102-inch width as well as the new 45-foot l e n g t h a n d i n s t e a d a s k e d f o r s o m e t h i n g more compatible with their present fleet

As a result, the MC-12 could simplistically be described as an MC-9 on top and a 96A3 on the bottom The reason for duplicating the 96A3 on the bottom is that it had slightly newer technology and components than the M C - 9 W h i l e G r e y h o u n d w a s t h e l a r g e s t buyer of the MC-12, several were sold elsewhere including some offered as Prisoner Transpor tation Vehicles

Q . D o w e n e e d m o r e n e w p r i v a t e b u s operators?

–– Several Readers

A T h e a n s w e r w o u l d b e a v e r y q u a l i fi e d “yes ” As you can probably guess, several of us “old timers” in the industr y have been discussing this topic since the pandemic I can share these thoughts with you

It is somewhat obvious that the private bus industr y lost several bus operators during the pandemic Most of these were smaller operators At this point it would be nice to have some star t-ups to increase the size of the industr y, buy used buses and fill in the gaps However, discussions have brought out three substantial cautions that I can pass on to those who are interested

1 Knowledge and Experience – The ver y first caution is that it is not easy to start a bus

company from scratch today In addition to the rules and regulations, there are numerous skills required

Even 40 years ago the requirements for running commercial coaches were much easier We still had logs and reciprocity but not all of the driver regulations, DEF and new technology that we have today It would be ver y d i f fi c u l t t o fi g u re a l l o f t h i s o u t u n l e s s y o u h a d p r i o r e x p e r i e n c e w o r k i n g f o r a n o t h e r bus company

I n a d d i t i o n , i t t a k e s s e v e r a l s k i l l s t o r u n a b u s c o m p a n y T h e s e w o u l d i n c l u d e m a na g e m e n t , f i n a n c e a n d b o o k k e e p i n g , h u m a n r e s o u r c e s , m a r k e t i n g a n d s o m e m e c h a n i c a l s k i l l s t h a t a re q u i c k l y c h a n ging to computer technology Not ever yone h a s t h o s e s k i l l s a n d t h e re i s n o o n e p l a c e t o a c q u i re t h e m

2 Competition – Historically, most people g o i n g i n t o t h e b u s b u s i n e s s d o s o w h e re they currently live This may not be the best idea for the new company or for the industry We d o n o t n e e d m o re c o m p e t i t i o n w h e re service already exists and starting in an area w i t h h i g h c o m p e t i t i o n m a y n o t b e t h e smar test decision

Instead, if you want to start a bus company, look for areas that are currently underserved E i t h e r l o c a t i o n s w i t h n o e s t a b l i s h e d b u s company nearby or a bus company that has failed to look at oppor tunities beyond charters In many cases the local community will welcome you if no one is currently offering bus service in the immediate area

3 Beyond Charters – A key factor in all of this is that while ever y bus company offers charter service, there are numerous opportunities in other types of operations

F o r i d e a s o n s c h e d u l e d s e r v i c e y o u c a n re f e r t o re c e n t c o l u m n s i n N AT I O N A L B U S TRADER by Ned Einstein that provide some interesting suggestions Contract char ters and par ticularly employee shuttles are also increasing in popularity

You can run bus tours for tour planners or do the tours yourself For those who want some suggestions you can download the “ T i m e t o T h i n k To u r s ” a r t i c l e f r o m t h e Archived Ar ticles section at busmag com

A n s w e r s n o t c r e d i t e d t o o t h e r i n d i v i d u a l s

are provided by Larry Plachno q

BACK ISSUES

EVERY ISSUE IS NEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ IT!

NATIONAL BUS TRADER continues to receive requests on the availability of back issues so that readers can either locate desired information or obtain missing issues

While they last, the following back issues are available Issues beginning with June, 1979 thru c u r r e n t a r e $ 3 – U S , $ 4 5 0 – C a n a d a a n d $ 5 –International (US) each postpaid

Several issues are already “out of print,” hence we suggest that you indicate second choices We r e s e r v e t h e r i g h t t o r e f u n d m o n e y i f i s s u e s requested are no longer available

q Vol II, No 7 June, 1979

q Vol II, No 10 September, 1979

q Vol III, No 4 March, 1980

q Vol III, No 5 April, 1980

q Vol III, No 6 May, 1980

q Vol. III, No. 9 August, 1980

q Vol III, No 10 September, 1980

q Vol. III, No. 12 November, 1980

q Vol IV, No 5 April, 1981

q Vol. IV, No. 6 May, 1981

q Vol IV, No 7 June, 1981

q Vol. IV, No. 9 August, 1981

q Vol IV, No 10 September, 1981

q Vol. IV, No. 11 October, 1981

q Vol V, No 2 January, 1982

q Vol. V, No. 3 February, 1982

q Vol V, No 6 May, 1982

q Vol V, No 11 October, 1982

q Vol V, No 12 November, 1982

q Vol VI, No 2 January, 1983

q Vol VI, No 5 April, 1983

q Vol VI, No 7 June, 1983

q Vol. VI, No. 9 August, 1983

q Vol VI, No 10 September, 1983

q Vol. VI, No. 11 October, 1983

q Vol VI, No 12 November, 1983

q Vol. VII, No. 5 April, 1984

q Vol VII, No 9 August, 1984

q Vol. VII, No. 10 September, 1984

q Vol VII, No 11 October, 1984

q Vol. VII, No. 12 November, 1984

q Vol VIII, No 2 January, 1985

q Vol. VIII, No. 4 March, 1985

q Vol VIII, No 6 May, 1985

q Vol VIII, No 7 June, 1985

q Vol VIII, No 8 July, 1985

q Vol VIII, No 10 September, 1985

q Vol IX, No 5 April, 1986

q Vol IX, No 6 May, 1986

q Vol. IX, No. 8 July, 1986

q Vol IX, No 9 August, 1986

q Vol. IX, No. 10 September, 1986

q Vol IX, No 12 November, 1986

q Vol. X, No. 2 January, 1987

q Vol X, No 4 March, 1987

q Vol. X, No. 5 April, 1987

q Vol X, No 6 May, 1987

q Vol. X, No. 9 August, 1987

q Vol XI, No 2 January, 1988

q Vol XI, No 3 February, 1988

q Vol XI, No 4 March, 1988

q Vol XI, No 5 April, 1988

q Vol XI, No 6 May, 1988

q Vol XI, No 11 October, 1988

q Vol. XI, No. 12 November, 1988

q Vol XII, No 2 January, 1989

q Vol. XII, No. 3 February, 1989

q Vol XII, No 4 March, 1989

q Vol. XII, No. 5 April, 1989

q Vol XII, No 6 May, 1989

q Vol. XII, No. 7 June, 1989

q Vol XII, No 10 September, 1989

q Vol. XII, No. 11 October, 1989

q Vol XIII, No 2 January, 1990

q Vol. XIII, No. 4 March, 1990

q Vol XIII, No 6 May, 1990

q Vol XIII, No 5 April, 1990

q Vol XIII, No 7 June, 1990

q Vol XIII, No 8 July, 1990

q Vol XIII, No 10 September, 1990

q Vol XIV, No 2 January, 1991

q Vol. XIV, No. 4 March, 1991

q Vol XIV, No 7 June, 1991

q Vol. XIV, No. 10 September, 1991

q Vol XIV, No 11 October, 1991

q Vol XIV, No 12 November, 1991

q Vol XV, No 2 January, 1992

q Vol XV, No 3 February, 1992

q Vol. XV, No. 4 March, 1992

q Vol XV, No 6 May, 1992

q Vol. XV, No. 7 June, 1992

q Vol XV, No 8 July, 1992

q Vol. XV, No. 9 August, 1992

q Vol XV, No 10 September, 1992

q Vol. XVI, No. 7 June, 1993

q Vol XVI, No 11 October, 1993

q Vol. XVI, No. 12 November, 1993

q Vol XVII, No 2 January, 1994

q Vol. XVII, No. 3 February, 1994

q Vol XVII, No 4 March, 1994

q Vol XVII, No 6 May, 1994

q Vol XVII, No 7 June, 1994

q Vol XVII, No 10 September, 1994

q Vol XVII, No 11 October, 1994

q Vol XVII, No 12 November, 1994

q Vol. XVIII, No. 2 January, 1995

q Vol XVIII, No 3 February, 1995

q Vol. XVIII, No. 4 March, 1995

q Vol XVIII, No 6 May, 1995

q Vol. XVIII, No. 7 June, 1995

q Vol XVIII, No 8 July, 1995

q Vol. XIX, No. 2 January, 1996

q Vol XIX, No 3 February, 1996

q Vol. XIX, No. 4 March, 1996

q Vol XIX, No 8 July, 1996

q Vol. XIX, No. 11 October, 1996

q Vol XIX, No 12 November, 1996

q Vol XX, No 2 January, 1997

q Vol XX, No 5 April, 1997

q Vol XX, No 6 May, 1997

q Vol XX, No 6 May, 1997

q Vol XX, No 7 June, 1997

q Vol. XX, No. 8 July, 1997

q Vol XX, No 9 August, 1997

q Vol. XX, No. 10 September, 1997

q Vol XX, No 12 November, 1997

q Vol. XXI, No. 2 January, 1998

q Vol XXI, No 3 February,

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q Vol XXIII, No 12 November, 2000

q Vol XXIV, No 3 February, 2001

q Vol. XXIV, No.4 March, 2001

q Vol XXIV, No 5 April, 2001

q Vol. XXIV, No.6 May, 2001

q Vol XXIV, No 7 June, 2001

q Vol. XXIV, No.9 August, 2001

q Vol XXIV, No 10 September, 2001

q Vol XXIV, No 11 October, 2001

q Vol XXIV, No 12 November, 2001

q Vol. XXV, No. 2 January, 2002

q

q

q Vol XXVII, No 8 July, 2004

q Vol. XXVII, No. 9 August, 2004

q Vol. XXVII, No. 10 September, 2004

q Vol XXVII, No 11 October, 2004

q Vol XXVII, No 12 November, 2004

q Vol XXVIII, No 2 January, 2005

q Vol XXVIII, No 3 February, 2005

q Vol. XXVIII, No. 4 March, 2005

q Vol. XXVIII, No. 5 April, 2005

q Vol XXVIII, No 6 May, 2005

q Vol XXVIII, No 7 June, 2005

q Vol XXVIII, No 9 August, 2005

q Vol XXVIII, No 10 September, 2005

q Vol. XXVIII, No. 11 October, 2005

q Vol. XXVIII, No. 12 November, 2005

q Vol. XXVIV, No. 2 January, 2006

q Vol XXVIV, No 3 February, 2006

q Vol XXVIV, No 4 March, 2006

q Vol XXVIV, No 5 April, 2006

q Vol XXVIV, No 6 May, 2006

q Vol. XXVIV, No. 7 June, 2006

q Vol. XXVIV, No. 8 July, 2006

q Vol XXVIV, No 9 August, 2006

q Vol XXVIV, No 10 September, 2006

q Vol XXVIV, No 11 October, 2006

q Vol XXVIV, No 12 November, 2006

q Vol. XXX, No. 1 December, 2006

q Vol. XXX, No. 2 January, 2007

q Vol XXX, No 3 February, 2007

q Vol XXX, No 4 March, 2007

q Vol XXX, No 5 April, 2007

q Vol XXX, No 6 May, 2007

q Vol. XXX, No. 7 June, 2007

q Vol. XXX, No. 8 July, 2007

q Vol XXX, No 9 August, 2007

q Vol XXX, No 10 September, 2007

q Vol XXX No 11 October, 2007

q Vol XXX, No 12 November, 2007

q Vol. XXXI, No. 1 December, 2007

q Vol. XXXI, No. 2 January, 2008

q Vol XXXI, No 3 February, 2008

q Vol XXXI, No 4 March, 2008

q Vol XXXI, No 5 April, 2008

q Vol XXXI, No 6 May, 2008

q Vol. XXXI, No. 7 June, 2008

q Vol. XXXI, No. 8 July, 2008

q Vol. XXXI, No. 9 August, 2008

q Vol XXXI, No 10 September, 2008

q Vol XXXI, No 11 October, 2008

q Vol XXXI, No 12 November, 2008

q Vol XXXII, No 1 December, 2008

q Vol. XXXII, No. 2 January, 2009

q Vol. XXXII, No. 3 February, 2009

q Vol XXXII, No 4 March, 2009

q Vol XXXII, No 5 April, 2009

q Vol XXXII, No 6 May, 2009

q Vol XXXII, No 7 June, 2009

q Vol. XXXII, No. 8 July, 2009

q Vol. XXXII, No. 9 August, 2009

q Vol XXXII, No 10 September, 2009

q Vol XXXII, No 11 October, 2009

q Vol XXXII, No 12 November, 2009

q Vol XXXIII, No 1 December, 2009

q Vol. XXXIII, No. 2 January, 2010

q Vol. XXXIII, No. 3 February, 2010

q Vol XXXIII, No 4 March, 2010

q Vol XXXIII, No 5 April, 2010

q Vol XXXIII, No 6 May, 2010

q Vol XXXIII, No 7 June, 2010

q Vol XXXIII, No 8 July, 2010

q Vol. XXXIII, No. 9 August, 2010

q Vol XXXIII, No 10 September, 2010

q Vol. XXXIII, No. 11 October, 2010

q Vol XXXIII, No 12 November, 2010

q Vol. XXXIV, No. 1 December, 2010

q Vol XXXIV, No 2 January, 2011

q Vol. XXXIV, No. 3 February, 2011

q Vol XXXIV, No 4 March, 2011

q Vol. XXXIV, No. 5 April, 2011

q Vol XXXIV, No 6 May, 2011

q Vol XXXIV, No 7 June, 2011

q Vol XXXIV, No 8 July, 2011

q Vol XXXIV, No 9 August, 2011

q Vol XXXIV, No 10 September, 2011

q Vol XXXIV, No 11 October, 2011

q Vol. XXXIV, No. 12 November, 2011

q Vol XXXV, No 1 December, 2011

q Vol. XXXV, No. 2 January, 2012

q Vol XXXV, No 3 February, 2012

q Vol. XXXV, No. 4 March, 2012

q Vol XXXV, No 5 April, 2012

q Vol. XXXV, No. 6 May, 2012

q Vol XXXV, No 7 June, 2012

q Vol. XXXV, No. 8 July, 2012

q Vol XXXV, No 9 August, 2012

q Vol. XXXV, No. 10 September, 2012

q Vol XXXV, No 11 October, 2012

q Vol XXXV, No 12 November, 2012

q Vol XXXVI, No 1 December, 2012

q Vol XXXVI, No 2 January, 2013

q Vol XXXVI, No 3 February, 2013

q Vol XXXVI, No 4 March, 2013

q Vol XXXVI, No 5 April, 2013

q Vol XXXVI, No 6 May, 2013

q Vol XXXVI, No 7 June, 2013

q Vol. XXXVI, No. 8 July, 2013

q Vol XXXVI, No 9 August, 2013

q Vol. XXXVI, No. 10 September, 2013

q Vol XXXVI, No 11 October, 2013

q Vol. XXXVI, No. 12 November, 2013

q Vol XXXVII, No 1 December, 2013

q Vol. XXXVII, No. 2 January, 2014

q Vol XXXVII, No 3 February, 2014

q Vol. XXXVII, No. 4 March, 2014

q Vol XXXVII, No 5 April, 2014

q Vol. XXXVII, No. 6 May, 2014

q Vol XXXVII, No 7 June, 2014

q Vol XXXVII, No 8 July, 2014

q Vol XXXVII, No 9 August, 2014

q Vol XXXVII, No 10 September, 2014

q Vol XXXVII, No 11 October, 2014

q Vol XXXVII, No 12 November, 2014

q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 1 December, 2014

q Vol XXXVIII, No 2 January, 2015

q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 3 February, 2015

q Vol XXXVIII, No 4 March, 2015

q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 5 April, 2015

q Vol XXXVIII, No 6 May, 2015

q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 7 June, 2015

q Vol XXXVIII, No 8 July, 2015

q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 9 August, 2015

q Vol XXXVIII, No 10 September, 2015

q Vol. XXXVIII, No. 11 October, 2015

q Vol XXXVIII, No 12 November, 2015

q Vol XXXIX, No 1 December, 2015

q Vol XXXIX, No 2 January, 2016

q Vol XXXIX, No 3 February, 2016

q Vol XXXIX, No 4 March, 2016

q Vol XXXIX, No 5 April, 2016

q Vol. XXXIX, No. 6 May, 2016

q Vol XXXIX, No 7 June, 2016

q Vol. XXXIX, No. 8 July, 2016

q Vol XXXIX, No 9 August, 2016

q Vol. XXXIX, No. 10 September, 2016

q Vol XXXIX, No 11 October, 2016

q Vol. XXXIX, No. 12 November, 2016

q Vol XL, No 1 December, 2016

q Vol. XL, No. 2 January, 2017

q Vol XL, No 3 February, 2017

q Vol XL, No 4 March, 2017

q Vol XXXX, No 5 April, 2017

q Vol XXXX, No 6 May, 2017

• UMA Motorcoach Expo in St Louis

• The Prize-Winning Aerocoach at the Museum of Bus Transportation

• Rochester City Lines Still Making, Preserving and Celebrating History

q Vol XXXX, No 7 June, 2017

• Industry History From UMA Shows – Installment I

• Extended Service Protection on Your Bus Fleet

• Bus History on a Wall

q Vol XXXX, No 8 July, 2017

• Vicinity – A Mid-Size Bus Success Story

• Prevost Conversion Shells for All Types of Coaches

• The Bus Accident in Red Lion, Delaware

q Vol XXXX, No 9 August, 2017

• “J” is for Jackpot with the 2018 J4500

• Industry History from UMA Shows – Installment II

• Book Review

q Vol XXXX, No 10 September, 2017

• Propane Continues to be Clean and Economical

• H&L Charter – The Best Comes in Small Packages

• Industry History from UMA Shows – Installment III

q Vol XXXX, No 11 October, 2017

• ABC & Van Hool Celebrate 30 Years

• Taking a Venture in Norfolk

•The Five “No’s” You Must Overcome to Sell Your Bus Business

q Vol. XXXX, No. 12 November, 2017

• MCI Reliability Rally 2017

• BusCon 2017 in Indianapolis

• Exit Planning Becoming More Complicated for Family-Owned Bus Businesses

q Vol XXXXI, No 1 December, 2017

• Complete Coach Works and the Carson Heritage

• The Busboys Vintage Bus Rally in Evansville, Indiana

• Virginia’s Commonwealth Coach and Trolley Museum Ravaged by Fire

• Re-Energizing the North American Diecast Model Bus Scene

q Vol XXXXI, No 2 January, 2018

• Prevost Again Moves Ahead in Support, Service and Parts

• New 2018 J4500 Highlights Busy Season for MCI

• Common Rail Technology and the GHG17 Volvo Engine

q Vol XXXXI, No 3 February, 2018

• Walking the Irizar Assembly Line in Ormaiztegi

• Busworld 2017 in Belgium

q Vol XXXXI, No 4 March, 2018

• UMA Motorcoach Expo 2018i

• Van Hool to Build Buses in Eastern Tennessee

• The New MCI D45 CRT LE

q Vol XXXXI, No 5 April, 2018

• Charging Ahead with Electric Buses

• Holiday Tours Puts Customers First

• How Chicago’s “Party Bus” Ordinance is Affecting Bus Tourism

q Vol. XXXXI, No. 6 May, 2018

• The CHTC HT45 amd HT35 Coaches

• The Pacific Bus Museum – From Hobby to Formal Museum

• Twenty Tips on Hiring Bus Drivers

• Van Hool Builds Bus Factoryin Morristown, Tennessee

q Vol XXXXI, No 7 June, 2018

• MCI Academy Wins Fans Across Industry

• Where are the Buses Built? #1

• The Campaign Bus for the President of the Philippines

• The Penn Highway Transit Company

q Vol. XXXXI, No. 8 July, 2018

• Farber Continues Custom Coach Traditions

• Prevost’s New Flat Floor Slide-Outs

• Liberty Coach Busch Bus

q Vol. XXXXI, No. 9 August, 2018

• ZF Components for Electric Buses

• Museum of Bus Transportation Spring Fling Open House Success

• “Friends” of the NJ Heritage Center Takes Eight Vintage Coaches to the 2018 MOBT Spring Fling

q Vol XXXXI, No 10 September, 2018

• Van Hool’s CX35 – Small in Size, Big in Quality

• Diecast Model Buses Impress in a Big Way

• Master ’s Transportation – Where to go to increase your fleet quickly or temporarily

q Vol. XXXXI, No. 11 October, 2018

• ZF Technology Day in Friedrichshafen

• MCI’s 2018 Reliability Rally

• How Will Autonomous Cars Impact the Bus Industry?

q Vol XXXXI, No 12 November, 2018

• Peter Pan Celebrates 85 Years on the Road

• Clean Up Your Fleet with a Bitimec Wash-Bot

q Vol XXXXII, No 1 December, 2018

• Prevost Unveils New Features and New Possibility on the Volvo 9700 at UMA Expo

• MCI’s New J3500 – Small in Size, Big in Features

• The e GO Mover – Filling a Gap in Transportation with ZF Technology

• Giving Buses a Second Life at Complete Coach Works

q Vol. XXXXII, No. 2 January, 2019

• BusCon 2018 in Indianapolis

• Panorama Tours Keeps Things in the Family

• How Will Demand or Congestion Toll Pricing Impact Bus Operations?

q Vol XXXXII, No 3 February, 2019

• Test Driving the New Electric MCI J4500e CHARGE

• Stagecoach Group Sells Coach USA and Coach Canada

• The Story of the Australian Scenicruiser

q Vol XXXXII, No 4 March, 2019

• UMA 2019 Motorcoach Expo in Fort Lauderdale

• Angel Tours Celebrates 20 Years

• The Saga of #5496, a 1937 Yellow Coach Model 733

q Vol XXXXII, No 5 April, 2019

• Buses at the 2019 ABA Marketplace in Louisville

• Are Pre-Owned Coach Sales Declining?

• The Six Levels of Autonomous Vehicles

q Vol XXXXII, No 6 May, 2019

• Temsa North America Inc – Temsa’s Increased Support for the American Market

• MCI Launches Motorcoach Technician Apprenticeship Program

• 2019 Spring Fling Announced

q Vol XXXXII, No 7 June, 2019

• Looking Beyond the Driver Shortage to Demography and the Global Economy

• Are the Reasons for Coach Seat Belts Changing?

• The Passengers Left Behind – Take the Accessible Information Test

q Vol XXXXII, No 8 July, 2019

• Prevost Motorhome Expo

• Featherlite Luxury Coaches

• Emerald Luxury Coaches Unveils First H3-45 Conversions

• Ten Things to Consider When Choosing a Luxury RV

q Vol. XXXXII, No. 9 August, 2019

• NFI Group Acquires Alexander Dennis

• Getting the Glow – Take a look inside the “New Look” of Liberty

• Book Review – Chicago Motor Coach

q Vol XXXXII, No 10 September, 2019

• The 2019 Spring Fling in Hershey

• Congestion Pricing May Affect Bus Operators

• In the Beginning – The Bus Industry Prior to Regulation in 1935

q Vol XXXXII, No 11 October, 2019

• Proterra Launches Proterra Powered™ Vehicle Electrification Solutions for Commercial Fleets

• Bendix Tech Tips: Avoiding the “Gotchas”

• The “Shorty” Flxibles of Pikes Peak

q Vol. XXXXII, No. 12 November, 2019

• 30 Years of Foxy Travel & FTI Coach

• Fleet Graphics is an Art at ABC Companies

• MCI debuts 2020 model line-up with a SNEAK PREVIEW of the battery-electric D45 CRTe LE CHARGE at Bay Area Reliability Symposium on October 1

q Vol XXXXIII, No 1 December, 2019

• Temsa’s Redesigned TS 30

• BusCon 2019 in Indianapolis

• Hammond Transportation

q Vol XXXXIII, No 2 January, 2020

• Anchor Transportation – 30 Years and Counting in a Growing Nashville

• David Thomas Tours and Their Short Temsa Coaches

• Museum of Bus Transportation to Merge with Antique Automobile Club of America Museum

q Vol XXXXIII, No 3 February, 2020

• Busworld 2019 in Brussels, Part I

• Heroes’ Honeymoon

• Philadelphia to New York Every Half Hour

q Vol XXXXIII, No 4 March, 2020

• Busworld 2019 in Brussels, Part II

• The Changing Bus Industry

q Vol XXXXIII, No 5 April, 2020

• ABA Marketplace 2020 in Omaha

• Procedure and Liability After a Collision with an Automated Vehicle

• Impaired Drivers

q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 6 May, 2020

• Bringing Back the Bus Industry

• Bus Industry Suggestions from Shriver Insurance

• What Can Bus Companies Do To Reduce Insurance Costs During COVID-19?

• UMA Motorcoach Expo 2020 in Nashville

• Bus Preservation After the Merger

q Vol XXXXIII, No 7 June, 2020

• Grants, Loans and Programs to Help Transportation Companies Survive COVID-19 Business Disruption

• Time to Think Tours

• Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness

q Vol XXXXIII, No 8 July, 2020

• What the IATR and Transportation Regulators are Doing to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic

• A Tribute to Kirwan Elmers and Custom Coach Corporation

• RiverLandings Motorcoach Resort, Where True Luxury Reaches New Heights

q Vol. XXXXIII, No. 9 August, 2020

• The Evolving MCI Product Line

• The Impact of COVID-19 on the Transportation Ecosystem

• Marijuana and Drivers

q Vol XXXXIII, No 10 September, 2020

• New Coach Review

• Seven Simple Steps to Show Your Customers You Are Open for Business

• Can Bus Operators Change to Survive?

q Vol XXXXIII, No 11 October, 2020

• Getting People Back on the Buses

• 10 Easy Ways to Update Your Web Site During COVID-19

• Didn’t See That Coming

• The Eucharistic Congress in Chicago

q Vol XXXXIII, No 12 November, 2020

• How Temsa Developed Their Programmable Electric Bus

• Can Bus Companies Get to and Survive in the “New Normal?”

• Talk’s Cheap – Let’s Play

q Vol XXXXIV, No 1 December, 2020

• Keolis Moves People

• Are Mergers the Answer?

• A Lesson from the Sea – Time to Choose a Strategy

• Now is Not the Time to Skip on Bus Maintenance

• The Small Business Reorganization Act – A New Option in Bankruptcy

Classified

Classified ad rate is $30 per issue for first 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Rate includes Internet access. Name, address, zip and phone number are not included in word count The total number of words in a classified ad can not exceed 70 Rates apply on each ad individually – the rate for multiple insertions is the total of each ad figured individually. Free classified ads are acceptable ONLY when submitted on or with your free classified ad certificate. Display advertising rates on request.

1 – BUSES WANTED 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

6 – MOTOR HOMES FOR SALE

1993 Prevost H3-40, 40-foot motor home Professional conversion, dd8V-92ta electronic allison 740 auto trans New tires on 3 axles, 10 KW Cat diesel Genset

three roof airs, 3 furnaces satellite dome; no slides

Beautiful coach $95,000 (us$) Phone (613) 360-3710 in ontario, Canada q

1991 Hawkins motorcoach 3208t Cat, 35 ft with all awnings alcoa wheels, landing/docking lights, heated m i r r o r s , d u c t e d h e a t , l e v e l e r s , t w o a i r c o n d i t i o n e r s , propane generator, exhaust brake always stored indoors asking $15,000 Contact dallas in Mi at (269) 591-2564 I

1956 Flxible coach – old conversion Phone (802) 9482886 in Vt for details

6 – MOTOR HOMES FOR SALE

MCi MC5a ’67 (shell) 8V-71, 4-speed For sale to highest bidd

10 – PARTS AND EQUIPMENT

“Villa” driver ’s

-8191 in dayton, ohio q 6V-92t detroit diesel engine Fresh overhaul in storage spent $4,700 Make offer Phone (815) 262-0587 in il

14 – NOTICES

Visit our 45+ vintage bus collection most saturday mornings at lakewood NJ Bus terminal Join: Friends NJ transport Heritage Center ($30 annually) see/learn: www friendsnjthc org

NOTICE

P l e a s e m a k e s u r e w e h a v e y o u r e m a i l a d d r e s s s o y o u a r e a b l e t o a c c e s s y o u r d i g i t a l e d i t i o n o f NatioNal Bus trader email reade r s @ b u s m a g c o m o r p h o n e t h e office at (815) 946-2341

514 Poplar St., Columbia, PA www. .org

Down The Road

of interest to readers of NATIONAL BUS TRADER Submissions for the department should be directed to the editor. Unless otherwise indicated, events are not open to the general public

Coming

2023 FMCA's 107th I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n a n d RV Expo Cam-Plex Multi-Event Facilities, G i l l e t t e , Wy o m i n g Vi s i t w w w f m c a c o m / f m c a - p e r r y - 2 0 2 3 - l e a r n - m o re t o register or for more information

O c t o b e r 9 - 11 , 2 0 2 3 . A P TA E x p o . Orlando, Florida For more information view info@aptaexpo.com.

J a n u a r y 1 3 - 1 6 , 2 0 2 4 A B A M a r k e tplace. Nashville, Tennessee.

F e b r u a r y 4 - 7 , 2 0 2 4 U M A M o t o rcoach Expo 2024. Raleigh, North Carolina For more information view motorcoachexpo.com.

M a rc h 2 0 - 2 3 , 2 0 2 4 F M C A ' s 1 0 8 t h

I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n a n d RV Expo Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona Visit FMCA com or phone (513) 474-3622 for more information.

The next. The future. It’s here, now. The All-New H3-45.

ALL ROADS HAVE LED TO THIS