2023 EXPO Express

“Blue Lakes knows it can always depend on Lancer.”

“While working as a mechanic for our family’s motorcoach company, I became injured, and my role suddenly changed to safety manager. Overwhelmed with all the duties I newly inherited, I was so grateful for the many resources that Lancer provided to help smooth the transition. For more than a decade in this position, it’s like I’ve had another member of the family looking out for me.

From outstanding loss prevention services to exceptional claims handling to first-rate customer support, Lancer lives up to its reputation as the best insurer in the industry. We’re a third generation family business and, for over 30 years, Lancer has had our backs…no matter what has come our way.”

JASON CUPP Safety Manager Blue Lakes Charters & Tours Lancer Policyholder Since 1990

A Salute to Working Together

A SALUTE TO OUR TRADITION OF WORKING TOGETHER

(703) 838-2929 www.uma.org

PRESIDENT & CEO Scott Michael

FEDERAL RELATIONS: (703) 838-2964

INDUSTRY RELATIONS: (703) 838-2964

MEMBERSHIP: (703) 838-2954

MEETINGS: (703) 838-2946

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Shandra Martinez

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Cheryl Prichard

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: busandmotorcoachnews@gmail.com

ADVERTISING

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ADVERTISING Mary Rydel mrydel@uma.org (616) 265-2316

EXPO Express is a special edition publication of the United Motorcoach Association, 113 S. West Street, Fourth Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 838-2929; Fax (703) 838-2950. All advertising revenues support programs of the United Motorcoach Association. For advertising rates please contact Director of Digital Media Sales Mary Rydel using contacts above. Copyright 2023 by the United Motorcoach Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

One thing that makes the motorcoach industry so special is the willingness of operators to work together, whether that means providing a part for a bus or sharing business with others. Operators’ support for each other is often evident, but not celebrated nearly enough. We captured some of the best of those stories for this keepsake edition.

We also take a look at a longtime UMA tradition that has played an important role in helping operators keep their fleets on the road safely transporting passengers across the United States and Canada. The Maintenance Interchange is marking its 25th anniversary with a look back at the difference it has made for UMA members.

EXPO Express is about the people, the importance and the technologies of the bus and motorcoach industry in North America. We are also showcasing the way motorcoaches are making a difference across North America, fueled by cleaner diesel and enhanced by the newest technologies for safety, hygiene and fuel efficiency.

We are proud to be the official publication of the 2023 UMA Motorcoach EXPO. This annual event is when the industry comes together to reconnect, learn, and discover new products and services. These pages are filled with insights and information that will help you get the most from your experience at EXPO.

Thanks, Shandra Martinez

Editor-in-chief, Bus & Motorcoach News

stay CONNECTED

facebook.com/BusandMotorcoachNews/ twitter.com/BusMotorcoach instagram.com/busandmotorcoachnews/ youtube.com/channel/UCXb2P5CCWiC6tJGyb4YCmOw linkedin.com/company/bus-and-motorcoach-news/

.

The Ultimate Ride, Even More Refined

AFTER NEARLY 100 YEARS ON THE ROAD, PREVOST IS ABOUT TO TURN A NEW CORNER.

Since 1924, Prevost has built a legacy that’s carried its coaches from their birthplace of Sainte-Claire, Quebec, to winding highways throughout North America.

Through their focus on operational efficiency and the unsurpassed comfort of both drivers and passengers, they’ve been able to achieve new heights in safety, style, power and performance.

Now, Prevost is preparing to set the standard once again by finding out what lies beyond the pinnacle — and they want everyone to be a part of it — on January 12, with the in-person reveal in booth 1133 at the United Motorcoach Association Expo in Orlando.

THE GRAND REVEAL.

Attendees are invited to be among the very first to see Prevost’s latest leap forward in design, and get up close and personal with every last detail.

Fans of the industry-leading bus manufacturer know that it’s the details that drive them, along with the values they’ve maintained from their very first day of operation: “an uncompromising commitment to quality, a drive for constant innovation and improvement, and dedication to safety and sustainability in every aspect of our business.”

“Our heritage is crafting the finest motorcoaches in the world for those who appreciate the value of a solid foundation.” says Francois Tremblay, President of Prevost.

A NEW BEGINNING, BUILT ON HISTORY.

While Prevost’s story began nearly 100 years ago, their commitment to innovation is still very much present in everything they do.

Beginning with the founding by Eugene Prevost, moving to the ownership of the Normand family (Paul and then his son, André) in 1957, and continuing through Volvo and Henleys PLC in 1995 and Volvo’s sole ownership in 2004, each transition afforded the company new levels of resources to continue pushing every design.

“Through Volvo, Prevost has access to the financial strength, product development capabilities, and quality manufacturing technology from one of the world’s largest manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines, and the world’s second-largest motorcoach and transit bus manufacturing group,” Tremblay continues.

It’s these resources that have helped Prevost continue to deliver on their promise of “The Ultimate Experience” — with superior driver attraction and retention due to unmatched user considerations, ergonomics, safety and driving performance, as well as allowing passengers to benefit from the safest, most attractive coaches with distinctive characteristics and user-friendly amenities to offering the largest service network in the industry.

SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE.

While the speculation around Prevost’s latest design will surely continue until its reveal, there is one thing we know for sure: Prevost is ready to make this trip well worth the wait.

Join the grand reveal in-person on January 12, 2023, at the United Motorcoach Association Expo in Orlando, FL, booth 1133. ›››

WORKING

››› BY SHANDRA MARTINEZ

The resurgence of business in the post-COVID world has brought plenty of new challenges. In the motorcoach industry, this means most are juggling a growing workload, but with fewer drivers, mechanics and staff.

Operators have managed these challenges by supporting each other. This may mean helping with a coach-down situation in the middle of the night far from home, or providing a much-needed mechanical part from inventory during a global supply shortage.

When times get tough, the industry sticks together. Although operators are technically competitors, there is a deeper understanding that everyone has each other’s back. An operator who can’t take a job will refer the potential client to someone who will serve them. It’s no surprise that this help often comes from friends made through Trailways or IMG networks, or at UMA Motorcoach EXPO or UMA Spader 20 Groups. But operators also help out strangers, knowing that they may soon be in a similar position: asking for a favor.

The true beneficiaries of these close relationships are all the passengers, from sports teams to church groups, who make it safely to their events. These guests are often unaware of the herculean effort taking place behind the scenes so their trip isn’t disrupted by mechanical failure, a backordered part, or a gap in drivers. It’s important to always have a good relationship with your competitors, because you never know when you may need each other. Here are some heartwarming stories of how operators came through for each other.

AMY BROOKS Vice President of Sales Susquehanna Trailways Williamsport, Pennsylvania

We do a considerable amount of work in the Washington, D.C., area during the crazy student season, which seems to be all year now. We’re about four hours away from the city, so when we are down there, if we have a failure or if we need a driver or just assistance with anything out of the ordinary, we call Marcia Milton. I got to know her through Trailways. She has become my go-to gal in the D.C. area. She’s picked up my calls when she’s been at church. Even if she didn’t have the equipment, she would have either a list of phone numbers to help me out or suggestions of places that I could go for assistance. In many situations, she’s actually even made the phone calls for me. I think everybody in this industry, more than in any other industry, recognizes that you’re not an island. It’s all about creating good friends who have been there, done that, and don’t want to see anybody else have to go through it.

In the Midwest, we have quite a few competitors. Before COVID-19, I felt like we co-existed, but strived for as little interaction as possible. When COVID hit, the industry came together. We were all experiencing the same effects, and the only thing we had going was to stick together in the hope we would all make it out alive. Today, we have a great working relationship with local competitors such as Vandalia Bus Lines, Windstar Lines and Timi’s Tours. Many times we have shipped our stock parts to other companies so that they can get their vehicles back on the road. It’s important to always have a good relationship with your competitors, because you never know when you may need each other.

A fellow company from Maine had a belt tensioner break off, and the bus was stranded on the highway somewhat near us. We sent one of our buses to rescue the group and continue the trip. The Maine bus got towed back to our shop. I called another company in Connecticut and was able to secure the part needed. They sent the part with a driver that was heading up near us for a trip, and I went to meet their bus and driver and get the part. We then fixed the Maine bus and got it back on the road.

MOLLIE PRUNEAU Vice President, Huskey Trailways Festus, Missouri

MATT GRAY Co-owner, General Manager, King Gray Coach Lines Chicopee, Massachusetts

ELIZABETH HALL Chief Operating Officer John Hall’s Alaska Lake City, Minnesota

We are extremely fortunate to have some of the greatest motorcoach partners around the country support John Hall’s Alaska and allow us to host their programs.

JHA offers available motorcoach operations, repair and maintenance services up to full receptive operations and planning in Alaska.

JHA Transportation Services, a sister company of John Hall’s Alaska, has seen substantial success due to other operators entrusting JHA Transportation Services with motorcoach maintenance work while visiting Alaska.

We had a couple of coaches going to Daytona, Florida, taking a group to a convention when the AC went out on one of our coaches. We phoned a company in the area, and they were more concerned about what they would charge us than getting our group comfortably to their hotel. We then reached out to Echo Transportation in Jacksonville, Florida. General Manager Luis E. Senior Jr. saved us. He quickly sent one of his drivers to pick up our passengers and take them to their destination. We deadheaded our own coach home, repaired it and sent it back to Florida. Echo Transportation met us halfway with our group, and we got them back home safely.

DENNIS STREIF

Co-owner, Vandalia Bus Lines, Inc. Caseyville, Illinois

In October, an operator we didn’t know in Lexington, Kentucky, had a coach break down in St. Louis and called on a Saturday evening for assistance. Even though we were busy, we found a way to pick up his group and meet his bus at the halfway point. Five weeks later, our bus had a problem in West Virginia early Sunday morning. He sent a bus four hours away to pick up the college sports team we were transporting and then met us at a halfway point so we could get the students home in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s just a reminder to help people out, because you never know when you are going to need their help.

Panorama’s success relies on the relationships that we continuously build and nurture. Our competitors are also our friends and the backand-forth support we have for each other not only allows us to be stronger individually but also strengthens the reputation of our industry. Stout’s Transportation, Lakeland Bus Lines, Klein Transportation, and DeCamp Bus Lines are just a few examples of operators that have always been there to help. Whether it required sending a mechanic out, a rescue vehicle, a specialty tool to borrow, a vehicle to temporarily lease, or assistance with overflow work; these operators never hesitate. They have saved the day (or night) on many occasions.

When one of our coaches broke down in Pennsylvania, we called one of our Trailways friends, Susquehanna Trailways, who quickly had a mechanic and a relief bus at our side to rescue our group. The coach could not be repaired on the side of the road, so it was towed to their garage and their coach carried our group into Washington for the night. Unfortunately, our coach was not repaired that night, so First Priority Trailways in Washington came to our rescue on short notice in a very busy season and moved our group until our coach was repaired. My Trailways friends often have bent over backwards to help me, a fellow Trailways Operator.

JASON QUICK President, Quick’s Bus Staunton, Virginia

I have had so many friends help me when I have that inevitable coach-down situation far from home. This past year one such lifelong friend bailed us out not once, but twice!! Larry Williams, of LW Transportation, was mowing his lawn when I called and told him I had a differential or transmission problem in the Washington, D.C. area. He did not have any available coaches in the area, but this is where Larry deserves a medal. He went to work, grabbed a bus, then drove it to replace my coach. Once he met my driver, he told us to keep the bus as needed. He then diagnosed the issue with our coach for us. It is people like Larry Williams who make this industry as strong as it is and renew my faith in humanity.

One of my favorite memories of being helped was when we had an issue in the Inland Empire and Jodi and Wendell Meritt from H&L Charter got out of bed and went out at night and fixed our bus! How can we ever repay that?

BRADEN LEWIS Director of operations, Lewis Coaches New Orleans, Louisiana

TOM AND CONNIE GIDDENS Owners, Pacific Coachways

LARRY HUNDT CEO, Great Canadian Coaches and Holidays, Kitchener, Ontario

MICHELLE PETELICKI President, Panorama Tours Wallington, New Jersey

CELEBRATING YEARS of the MAINTENANCE INTERCHANGE

››› BY SHANDRA MARTINEZ

UMA’s Maintenance Interchange celebrates its 25th anniversary at the 2023 Motorcoach EXPO.

This closed-door gathering of maintenance personnel, operator management and motorcoach owners often brings together more than 1,500 years of maintenance/ motorcoach experience in one room to problem-solve bus maintenance/operations issues.

Attendees often say the Maintenance Interchange “paid for my trip” because it led to a repair resolution their shop had been fighting.

“One paid-for moment happened a couple of years ago when an operator had been repeatedly told there were no serviceable parts for his shop equipment. He was told his only option was a $140,000 replacement. Another attendee had contact information that got the equipment repaired, for pennies on the dollar” said Kevin Whitworth, the Director and Moderator of the Maintenance Interchange.

The retired President and CEO of Whitworth Bus Sales in Miamisburg, Ohio, has volunteered countless hours to make the Maintenance Interchange a success. The UMA EXPO event includes the Maintenance Competition, which tests the knowledge of industry maintenance technicians. Here are the stories of the attendees:

When I first came to Maintenance Interchange, I had an issue with one of my then only two buses. We had an electrical issue that kept coming up in the dash. We had electricians look at it. We had mechanics. Nobody could figure it out. When I explained it at the Maintenance Interchange, a guy from Holland America Princess who had a dozen similar buses said we had a 12-volt light bulb in the bathroom that needed to be a 24-volt, and it was causing a short in the front of the bus. I called my mechanic and, sure enough, he put a different bulb in there and fixed the problem that I had had for almost a year with that vehicle.

The most valuable thing about the UMA Motorcoach EXPO is meeting and building relationships with the other motorcoach companies. And then throughout the year, if we have an issue, we’ll call or email each other to ask each other questions to help find parts or repair a coach that we need help with. We’re all in this together. And if we don’t help each other out, you know, who’s going to help us?

SOL MILLER Services Director, Premier Transportation Knoxville, Tennessee

JOE GILLIS President, Northwest Navigator Luxury Coaches Portland, Oregon

DARREN HAINES Owner/ Chief Technician JAG Motorcoach Gladwin, Michigan

When you’re in a room of technicians with a combined total of hundreds of years of experience working on motorcoaches, someone in the room has had the same issue as you’re having now. They are glad to walk you through what they did to remedy the problem. That just saved me A LOT of time banging my head against the wall trying to figure it out myself.

GENE WORDEKEMPER Director of Fleet Services & Facilities

Ramblin Express Inc. Denver, Colorado

I would like to say that I remember my first UMA Maintenance Interchange, but that would be a lie. The things that I do remember and enjoy are the amount of information that you can immerse yourself in and the number of talented people in our industry who attend these interchanges year after year. All of the maintenance staff who attend this Maintenance Interchange are dealing with the same issues, so being able to tap into this resource is a great advantage for all who attend. Not to mention the camaraderie and lifelong friends that have been fostered by attending EXPO Maintenance Interchange.

PETER HAUNOLD Senior Shop Foreman Holland America Princess Alaska Anchorage, Alaska

MIDDAUGH President

Of course, the on-the-spot tips and advice are invaluable, but the real value is the personal friendships that are developed. When you need help with a breakdown, solving a problem or whatever, these friendships result in instant responses and herculean efforts to solve the problem. Never a need or concern if the task will be completed and what it will cost; it just gets done with no questions asked.

DALLON EBMEYER Maintenance Coordinator

I’ve been attending the Maintenance Interchange for the past three years and always come out having learned something to better our maintenance program or with a solution to a problem we have been facing.

It is one of the things I look forward to most at the UMA Motorcoach EXPO.

My first time attending UMA and the Interchange was in Orlando in 2012. I really didn’t know what to expect. I came with a few questions about some maintenance issues we were facing at my shop. What I found was so much more than just getting a couple questions answered. I was able to help others in the room with experiences I ran into over the years as well. The eight hours just flew by, and the best way to describe it was like being fed by a firehose! So much information in one place. It was unreal! Most importantly, from that first year, onto the next, and so on, I was able to build relationships and friendships with so many other people in this great and rather small industry that I would never have been able to do without UMA and the Maintenance Interchange. There is so much knowledge and experience out there, and having a way to gather all of that in one room for a day is priceless. (That right there pays for the trip!)

While attending UMA EXPO 2021, we walked in on a classroom of about eight people. As we were about to leave, organizer Kevin Whitworth invited us to stay and told us why they were meeting. It was so informative that we have made this a must-attend class, and it has been a highlight ever since.

I’ve enjoyed attending the Maintenance Interchange for two reasons. One, it lets me know that I’m not alone when things go wrong, and two, I enjoy the network it has allowed me to build with other operators. I’m able to bounce ideas off these same guys who operate the same equipment but in different applications across the U.S. It’s something I look forward to most while attending UMA.

LANDON EBMEYER Operations / Accounting Ebmeyer Charter and Tour Apple Valley, California

BRUCE W. EBMEYER President Ebmeyer Charter and Tour Apple Valley, California

Ebmeyer Charter and Tour Apple Valley, California

MIKE

Coach Quarters Columbus, Ohio

TEMSA focus on North American customer continues with TNA 2.0

With four models built specifically for the North American market, TEMSA North America continues to grow its market share. The key to the company’s continuing success is taking care of the customer with sales, after-sales services, parts support, and financing.

Writing a new success story in the market with the TS30, TS35, TS45, and electric TS45E models targeted for the needs of the North American customers, TEMSA has increased its market share in the coach segment despite the challenging operating conditions.

“Today, the four vehicles we offer to the North American market represent the best examples of TEMSA’s advanced technology and sustainability approach. The vehicles were developed for the market by considering varied factors such as driving safety, comfort, customer experience and cost of ownership,” said Fatih Kozan, Director of TEMSA North America (TNA).

The company also recently introduced TEMSA Financial Services, which has streamlined the purchasing process with flexible finance solutions developed under the umbrella of TEMSA North America. As TEMSA continues to offer its high-tech vehicles to its customers under the most favorable conditions, it also offers financing plans that can reduce the burden of increasing interest costs for its business partners.

KEEPING UP WITH CUSTOMER NEEDS

The North American market has an especially important place in TEMSA’s global journey, and key to its growing market share has been the relationships developed with customers. TNA 2.0 puts those customers’ needs in the forefront by closely monitoring the dynamics of the market and putting the appropriate applications into operation as quickly as possible.

“We manage the customer experience in a wide range from vehicle development to sales processes, and from after-sales services to satisfaction surveys,” Kozan said. “We integrate the requests of our customers and business partners into our services, considering the market dynamics. And we are constantly improving ourselves in these areas. Now, again with our customers, we are starting the TNA 2.0 era. We believe that together with all our stakeholders in the market, we will write a much longer-term success story together,” Kozan said.

TEMSA, which operates in nearly 70 countries around the world with 35,000 vehicles built, entered the North American market in 2010. TEMSA North America (TNA), a 100% subsidiary, was established in 2018 and continues TEMSA’s activities in the region today.

TEMSA launched the fully-electric TS45E specifically for the North American market after successful tests in Silicon Valley, increasing the number of vehicles it offers to four, including the redesigned TS30, TS45 and TS35. ›››

FATIH KOZAN

PAYING FOR RUBBER YOU DON’T USE

&

MILEAGE SALES KEEPS COSTS PREDICTABLE

EXPO SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY JANUARY

All activities will take place at the Orange County Convention Center unless otherwise noted.

10:30

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12TH

7:30 AM – 6:45 PM Registration Open Registration Concourse Level 1 8:00 – 8:30 AM UMA Continental Breakfast Kiosks outside WA1-WA3

8:30 – 11:00 AM UMA EXPO Opening with UMA’s Active Member Meeting and Legislative and Regulatory Update — Sponsored by RLI Transportation WA1

9:30 AM – 4:30 PM UMA Maintenance Interchange W103

11:00 -11:15 AM AM Break Outside W202 – W204

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM UMA Concurrent Education Sessions

Operations Session – North American Fatigue Management etc,* W202 AB Finance Session – Who’s Your Banker? W203 AB

Small Fleet Session – What is 8A Certification and Can it Help Ne? W204 AB

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM UMA Associate/Travel Partner Membership Meeting

UMA Booth 1107

12:30 – 1:45 PM UMA Luncheon and General Session WA1

2:00 – 3:00 PM

UMA Concurrent Education Sessions

Operations Session – Emergency Exits – Revisited Inspection Criteria, Part 2* W202 AB

Finance Session – Meet Your New Friend…The U.S. Tax Code W203 AB

Small Fleet Session – Is Certified Minority Owned the Launch Pad You Need? W204 AB

3:15 – 4:15 PM

UMA Concurrent Education Sessions

Operations Session – Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Requirements, Part 2* W202 AB

Finance Session – What does Your Balance Sheet Actually Say About You? W203 AB

Small Fleet Session – SBA Learning Platform W204 AB

4:15 – 4:30 PM

4:30 – 6:30 PM

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Sneak Preview Ribbon Cutting

Sneak Preview – UMA EXPO Exhibit Hall Open WA2/WA3

Sneak Preview After Party in the Exhibit Hall — Sponsored by ABC Companies, Irizar, Motor Coach Industries, Prevost, TEMSA WA2/WA3

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13TH

Morning

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration Open Registration Concourse Level 1

8:30 – 9:30 AM UMA Concurrent Education Sessions

Operations Session – What is Your Market Telling You? W202 AB Finance Session – How is Your Company Viewed by the Public? W203 AB

9:30 – 9:45 AM AM Break Outside W202 – W204

9:45 – 10:45 AM UMA Concurrent Education SessionsOperations Session – Can we Market Technology? W202 AB Finance Session – Preventative Maintenance….Back To The Basics with Today’s Technology W203 AB

SATURDAY, JANUARY

Lancer’s goal since day one has been about being a long-term trusted ally, providing financial security and stability to the motorcoach industry. That means guiding operators through the hard times — whether it’s a natural disaster, financial collapse or a pandemic — and helping them keep their wheels rolling. Clear and consistent communication, from our claim representatives to our loss control professionals to our customer service team, has been integral in meeting this goal and in becoming the dominant force we are today.

Our great industry has persevered and managed to come out stronger on the other side of these crises due, in large part, to its members’ ability to band together when the going gets tough. At Lancer, our priority over the past two years has been sharing vital information with the entire passenger transportation sector. We made a conscien-

LANCER INSURANCE: Guiding Operators Through the Hard Times

tious effort to support all bus companies, including those that were not Lancer policyholders, because the passenger transportation industry means everything to us. From aggregating and distributing information on financial relief programs to compiling training and retraining materials to participating in countless online meetings and seminars, we strongly believed it was our responsibility to supply all operators with every resource available to help them endure this latest challenge. And now, as business returns at record levels, we proudly applaud everyone in the motorcoach industry for banding together, sharing our resources collectively, and pushing through the darkest moments into the very bright days we find ourselves today.

From everyone at Lancer, we salute YOU! ›››

MCI Celebrates 90 Years of Being There for Customers

As Motor Coach Industries (MCI) celebrates its 90th anniversary, the motorcoach manufacturer continues to find new and better ways to support customers.

“We’ve become leaner and more efficient while maintaining our priority to help customers, sometimes in ways that are not as traditional,” said Brent Maitland, Vice President of Private Sector Sales and Marketing at MCI. “For example, during the pandemic, we quickly focused on disinfecting and improving air filtration. We also helped customers strengthen their banking relationships by educating lenders about the dynamics of the market. That support led operators to be in a better position with their customers and business partners. Today, it is nice to assist customers in a more traditional service and support role as they are busy again.

Pat Ziska, Vice President of Private Sector Sales, has supported MCI customers for over half of the company’s history. As the longtime MCI

leader transitions into retirement after 46 years, she is spending her last few months introducing customers to her replacement, Tom Wagner, ensuring MCI’s relationship-driven business approach continues.

MCI has grown up with the industry, transitioning from horses and carriages to motorcoaches. As motorcoaches evolve, MCI has been and will continue to be at the forefront of innovation to meet the increasing demands of the coach market, including the release of its latest zero-emission CHARGE™ series and recent deliveries of the J4500 CHARGE™.

“The 90th anniversary is a testament to the support of our customers and the value of the MCI name,” Maitland said, “and means more considering what we have gone through together over the last couple of years.” ›››

EXPERIENCE Atlantic City

A picture tells a story, make yours an adventure in Atlantic City, New Jersey. A hidden gem along the New Jersey shoreline, Atlantic City offers visitors much more than a seaside destination.

Just a short drive away! Our destination is the perfect location for visitors to travel to in the comfort of a car or motorcoach. Atlantic City is located within a few hours drive of nearly one-third of the nation’s population and is easily accessible from many cities along the Northeast.

From top-notch dining experiences, luxury hotel accommodations, spectacular entertainment, and more, Atlantic City is ready to entertain you.

Shopping never goes out of season and Atlantic City’s Tanger Outlets The Walk on Michigan and Atlantic Avenues feature more than 50 national retail brand outlet stores such as Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade New York, Under Armour, and Victoria’s Secret just to name a few. Need outdoor attire, equipment or accessories? Bass Pro Shops is the ultimate outdoor world and offers the area’s largest selection for hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and more.

Whether a tour at one of the region’s historical wineries or a trip to nearby Smithville Village for its quaint shops, any time is a good time to visit Atlantic City and the surrounding areas.

If you’re winding down after a long day or meeting up with family and friends, Atlantic City offers a host of happy hour specials suitable for all budgets. Sip, sample, and let the conversations flow.

For more information, please visit: www.meetac.com/groups ›››

Flexibility, Choice Guide ABC Companies’ Portfolio

ABC Companies has a long tradition of being there for customers. This means understanding the emerging trends and needs that impact customers and the diverse products and services they require. In response, ABC expanded its product portfolio by leveraging its dealer distribution model to source products with a range of capabilities.

“The change in our product portfolio is to give fleets more choices than ever before,” said Roman Cornell, President and CCO for ABC Companies. “We’re focused on helping our customers diversify for growth. We are in a unique position to work with a range of manufacturers, which gives our customers the flexibility to optimize their fleets.”

As many customers pivot to transporting smaller groups, offering on-demand services, adopting zero-emissions options and partnering with other private and public transportation providers, ABC rapidly expanded its portfolio to meet these needs. Its vehicle options can now accommodate a eight- to 81-passen-

ger trip, running across town or across country, using combustion or electric power.

“It was clear we needed to expand our offerings and leverage our ability to not only sell a variety of passenger vehicles, but also provide the service our customers expect and deserve,” Cornell said. “Our Van Hool motorcoaches remain our flagship products and our core business, and now our expanded product portfolio allows our customers to be as flexible and nimble as the changing market. We’re in a state of evolution, bringing our core values from over 50 years as a family owned and operated business while adding breadth to our offerings.” ›››

ROMAN CORNELL

SHRIVER INSURANCE Celebrates 60 Years of Being There for Customers

Shriver Transportation Insurance Agency in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is marking its 60th year in business. The family-owned agency was founded in February 1963 by Wally Shriver. His son, Charlie, joined him seven years later.

“When the insurance world collapsed in 1985, we parted with the trucking industry and focused solely on buses,” said Charlie Shriver, remembering the cover of Time magazine was “Sorry America, Your Insurance Is Canceled!”

Over the decades, Shriver has watched more than 50 insurance companies enter and then exit this difficult and volatile marketplace.

“Our experience and uniquely qualified service continues to serve those operators who understand what it takes to make educated decisions when comparing insurance programs,” he said. “You simply cannot get comparative insurance proposals without loss runs. You should be receiving these monthly anyway, yet hundreds of operators allow their agent to hold them hostage with excuses and sometimes threats. We have heard every excuse imaginable, and cannot understand why anyone would put up with such abuse.”

This year is Shriver’s 53rd year in the industry. He has been joined by his sons-in-law, Michael McDaniels and Christopher Lang. Together, they work to provide clients with “honest and exceptional service.”

“I continue to thank all the operators who understand how to best serve themselves,” Shriver said. “You owe it to yourself to call them and understand the meaning of ‘the enemy of great is good.’” ›››

BRIDGESTONE Steps Up Support When Industry is in Need

In 2019 the motorcoach industry was booming. But when the world shut down in 2020, buses weren’t moving and people weren’t traveling. What was a stalled group of vendors and customers supposed to do?

They came together and created a support group called Buses and Beer. Jeff Goldwasser from Amaya-Astron Seating was the organizer. Bridgestone’s Mileage Sales Manager, Adam Hall, immediately jumped on board.

It started as a small group of vendors on a virtual call giving operators a safe place to vent. It helped bring the industry closer together and allowed operators to understand they were not alone. They shared ideas on how to get through the shutdown from different perspectives.

Vendors such as Bridgestone were there to support and help communicate the issues. From there, “The Gang of 11” was born. This group of vendors and operators organized efforts to contact government officials and educate them on what was happening in the motorcoach industry. This initiative found sponsors and support for the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act, which secured $2 billion in government funds for the industry. Bridgestone also froze rates, in most cases, even though they were experiencing similar hardships.

The work of those early gatherings continues today. Hall is now on the American Bus Association’s Driving Force committee, which maintains a tool kit for operators to recruit and train drivers, addressing current concerns and needs.

“Bridgestone is honored to be a supporter of the motorcoach industry. Working together is what really matters,” Hall said. ›››

MICHAEL MCDANIELS/CHARLIE SHRIVER/CHRISTOPHER LANG

ADAM HALL/DANIEL SANTOS/HASSAN SYED

Some of the greatest inventions come from a meeting of great minds. With innovation and drive to improve industry standards in safety, service, and value amongst the bus industry, the Ultra Coachliner™ brand was built. Combining the bus industry’s top talent; innovators, engineers, and manufacturers helped bring to life the idea that a more reliable bus could be built; a bus that passes stringent testing is more cost-effective than traditional coach buses, and offers a fresh design style compared to a traditional coach bus. The result was a bus that has a smooth ride and a sleek luxurious look, where comfort is key in it’s design.

Maintaining a sleek look, inside and out, and lower acquisition costs, was a shared goal of all key stakeholders. With professionals from the bus industry, the unconventional look breaks the mold of the original motorcoach, which has changed very little since its inception. Not

The Ultra Coachliner™

In a Class of its Own

only are the visible changes attributed to making the bus more visually stunning, but most are attributed to the key goals of improving safety standards, quality, accessibility, and ease of maintenance allowing the bus to be serviced by local warranty centers nationwide. Simpler construction, requiring fewer tires to replace, lower toll costs, parts that are less expensive and easier to obtain, contributes to a bus that has half the maintenance expense of a traditional motorcoach. Also, major components are easier to access with a front-engine motorcoach compared to a traditional motorcoach. The front end provides safety to drivers if ever a collision were to occur.

See why the Ultra Coachliner™ DXL is changing passenger transportation throughout the U.S. and is truly in a class of its own at coachliner.com. ›››

OEM Q&A: INSIGHTS, TRENDS AND WHAT TO ASK ABOUT

The year has brought new challenges for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and they have risen to them. OEMs have been innovative and resourceful in helping customers survive and adapt to the challenges of the global supply chain shortage. They also have kept their eye on the future with new technologies that respond to environmental concerns.

One big way these manufacturers are showing their support for the industry is by being at the 2023 UMA Motorcoach EXPO, where they can demonstrate new products and answer operators’ questions. We asked the OEMs to share the insights they gained during the pandemic and what trends they are forecasting for 2023. Check out their answers.

PREVOST

››› KEVIN DAWSON, VP COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

HOW HAVE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES CHANGED THE WAY YOUR COMPANY SERVES THE MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY?

Global supply chain issues have disrupted our ability to forecast and receive commodity categories that had historically been “given” or always in stock. An example would be fast moving components, such as brake or suspension components, where we would have been fully stocked with X amount of inventory based upon normalized turns against inventory demand, this seemingly normal process has become more complex. We have had to manipulate our ordering system with “buffer” orders, thus hoping to drive too much demand from suppliers, in hopes a percentage of our stock demand and buffer demand will cover customer requests against materials. This is timely, but this is ineffective, normally speaking – however, necessary to manually manage the highest turn versus demand commodities to accommodate for peaks and valleys associated with a disruptive supply chain.

WHAT TRENDS SHOULD MOTORCOACH OPERATORS BE PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS YEAR?

Lead time and planning – I know this is a difficult dependent on seasonal or non-seasonal demands, but looking forward within their own wheelhouse as to sticking points experienced over the past 2.5 years. Lift your demands or concerns early within Prevost representatives in order to ensure we have visibility versus short time turn requests. Our materials are starting to smooth out as well, however, if we focus on production 2023 – we are essentially 12 months out or sold out against next year. There is a mixed message here, good for production and forecasting manufacturing pace, bad as inventory generally speaking, has been tight over the past 2.5 years due to production idling or slowing to match COVID market implications. We see the effects of tight vehicle production within our pre-owned coach inventory, we are currently managing record lows, which points to a demand imbalance versus historical averages.

WHAT IS THE MOST MUST-SEE PRODUCT EXPO ATTENDEES NEED TO ASK ABOUT WHEN THEY STOP BY YOUR BOOTH?

Clearly for me, the big winner is our evolution reveal of the H345 – this project has been years in the making. You will still see and experience our lineage within our production reveal – however, we have refined elements to match customer demands received from our existing product. I do not want to reveal too much – I look forward to seeing all of our customers in Florida!

EXECUTIVE COACH BUILDERS

››› DAVID BAKARE, CEO

WHAT IS THE MUST-SEE PRODUCT EXPO ATTENDEES NEED TO ASK ABOUT WHEN THEY STOP BY YOUR BOOTH?

HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED THE WAY YOUR COMPANY SERVES THE MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY?

Just like the rest of the world, we are faced with the day-to-day challenges in the supply chain. We understand time is money to our customers. As a result, we have enhanced our warranty and service department, so we are always acting rather than reacting to our customers’ needs. Stocking additional parts and providing real-time answers from our qualified staff has aided us in accomplishing this goal.

WHAT TRENDS SHOULD MOTORCOACH OPERATORS BE PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS YEAR?

With rising costs, management should analyze all aspects of their business: employees, equipment and customers. Don’t analyze your employees strictly as a cost — they are the way you make money. Invest in them, train them, and make them feel they are part of the team. Rolling stock should be analyzed based on return on investment, so understand every aspect of its cost. Then, when you know your true cost of operations, you can charge your customers a price that is a win-win.

During the pandemic, our design and engineering team concentrated on making changes that would enhance occupant safety and product reliability. We have always been committed to our products meeting federal safety standards, but over the past three years we have committed vast resources to make sure our products will be compliant with all requirements of FMVSS No 227. At Executive Coach Builders, we are committed to providing our customers a superior product that is safe, reliable and provides a good return on investment. Please stop by our booth and let one of our sales consultants personally explain all the advantages of our product.

DAIMLER COACHES NORTH AMERICA LLC

››› ZANE T. GRAY, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

HOW HAVE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES CHANGED THE WAY YOUR COMPANY SERVES THE MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY?

Supply chain bottlenecks are a challenge for our industry whether in production or in the aftermarket support. At Daimler, we have managed to leverage our global footprint to keep bottlenecks at a minimum and our production running. We have successfully ramped up our assembly for the Tourrider including a brand new body-in-white workshop for our stainless steel structure. As the need for new equipment rises, we are happy to serve that demand with our new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider, and support our customers in their operations.

WHAT TRENDS SHOULD MOTORCOACH OPERATORS BE PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS YEAR?

Demand for new buses is gaining traction as most of our industry’s contractual obligations are calling for later model units and vehicles that are more carbon friendly. The latest model diesel buses have a lower carbon footprint than their predecessors and more advanced safety items to protect both passengers and drivers. After two years of pandemic, we have now witnessed a year of positive gains for many of the operators. This has sparked the interest of some to build a stronger succession plan for the near future.

WHAT IS THE MOST MUST-SEE PRODUCT EXPO ATTENDEES NEED TO ASK ABOUT WHEN THEY STOP BY YOUR BOOTH?

The all-new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider has industry leading safety items that protect passengers, drivers, and other road users alike. In connection with the safety items, our latest Xentry Machine (diagnostics computer) assists service teams to pin point service needs faster reducing down time of the coaches. Beyond service and safety, we want to show our industry what it’s like to fully customize a coach — tailor-made for each operator and its specific needs. Come by and check it out!

TEMSA

››› RANDY ANGELL NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

HOW HAVE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES CHANGED THE WAY YOUR COMPANY SERVES THE MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY?

Like everyone else, we are having challenges when it comes to certain parts and components needed to keep motorcoaches up and running. Whether it be chips, belts, DEF headers, pre-heaters or whatever, all OEM’s are feeling the same pain to a certain extent. We have worked very closely with our factory in Adana, Turkey to limit the shortages as best we can, but we have come up short of a few things lately. We are still doing a pretty good job on our shipping rate and will continue to work very closely with our customers and factory.

WHAT TRENDS SHOULD MOTORCOACH OPERATORS PAY ATTENTION TO THIS YEAR?

Operators should pay attention to new coach availability because of parts shortages and increasing time to get coaches built — making sure you are able to get coaches based on your contractual needs. It will also be important to pay close attention to parts availability and order what you need for your shelves in advance. It’s the small things that could eventually end up costing you big time.

WHAT IS THE MOST MUST-SEE PRODUCT EXPO ATTENDEES NEED TO ASK ABOUT WHEN THEY STOP BY YOUR BOOTH?

It will be our entire selection of coaches, from the TS30, TS35 and TS45 units. We have made some nice updates on all three of these units, and we will continue to gain ground with all of them. Come see all the improvements and key enhancements we have made. Another area will be our TEMSA Financial Service partner, Auxilor. We will continue to stay aggressive from a financing standpoint to try to save our operators as much as we can in the face of rising interest rates. We had a very successful fourth quarter based on a program we ran, and our goal is to continue with this for the ultimate package savings.

MOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES (MCI)

››› BRENT MAITLAND, VICE PRESIDENT PRIVATE SECTOR SALES & MARKETING

HOW HAVE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES CHANGED THE WAY YOUR COMPANY SERVES THE MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY?

Supply chain issues have impacted our production ramp-up and our after-market parts business as it has for many manufacturing companies. Our team’s focus has intensified on strengthening existing relationships and finding new supplier partners if needed to stabilize the timely inflow of needed parts or to develop alternative solutions to keep coaches rolling. Our communication with customers continues to be critical. It is encouraging to see our customers’ businesses recover and our goal is to do whatever it takes to get what our customers need. The good news is that we are seeing improvement and expect the supply chain situation to continue improving through 2023.

WHAT TRENDS SHOULD MOTORCOACH OPERATORS BE PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS YEAR?

Two areas to pay attention to in 2023 are a return to basics and regulatory issues. For example, we encourage customers to take advantage of the MCI Academy which offers free training through the Learning Management System (LMS) courses and a return to in-person training for technicians. MCI Connect telematics is available on new coaches to track coach performance and efficiency. This action is especially critical as fuel costs increase. On the regulatory front, we see California leading a demand for electrification or Zero-Emission vehicles. We are educating our customers on the critical elements of the transition and its pros and cons. While an electric coach is not for every application, operators need to know the basics.

IS THE MOST MUST-SEE PRODUCT EXPO ATTENDEES NEED TO ASK ABOUT WHEN THEY STOP BY YOUR BOOTH?

The essential must-see at EXPO is the MCI Team – including management, sales, parts, and technical support. The MCI team earns and keeps the trust of our customers through our relationship-driven approach. We will be in full force at the show! Along with our people, will be our industry-leading, clean-diesel J4500, which includes enhancements to improved reliability and the continued workhorse in our customers’ fleets. We look forward to everyone stopping by for a tour and update.

ABC COMPANIES

››› THOM PEEBLES, VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING

WHAT TRENDS SHOULD MOTORCOACH OPERATORS BE PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS YEAR?

With inconsistent and extended supplier lead times, ABC has made significant investments to meet the needs of our customers. Inventory levels have been dramatically increased for many parts, with purchases significantly higher than historical supply levels where available. While this has added significant costs, being a privately held organization allows ABC to make these investments without the constraints of diverting parts to vehicle manufacturing needs or shareholder and investor return targets. ABC has also been focused on identifying multiple suppliers of the same parts and components to insulate our customers from the impacts of a single supplier wherever possible.

Choosing partners wisely is key, from having an established service network and parts supply chain, to ongoing technical assistance and support that has been tested through challenging economies and remains committed to the privately owned motorcoach industry. Also consider your planning for the secondary market, as there has not been an influx of new operators, making resale values very dependent on a proven history of performance and support. Diversifying within your market is key to growth. Establishing relationships with local corporations, universities, airports, government agencies, etc. can bring incremental growth in many markets, particularly as government infrastructure investments are made.

WHAT IS THE MOST MUST-SEE PRODUCT EXPO ATTENDEES NEED TO ASK ABOUT WHEN THEY STOP BY YOUR BOOTH?

Attendees can meet with key folks from our ABC Service, Parts Source and CustomerCare teams. We are excited to share everything from our 2023 training schedule and growing parts supply base, to our latest Van Hool CX models, featuring the new smart wheel and electric fans. As a proud supporter of UMA, having the 2023 Expo in the backyard of our largest dealer facility and corporate headquarters is a true honor. We invite attendees before or after the event to visit our location, meet our team and see how we can support your needs and help grow your business.

WHAT

HOW HAVE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES CHANGED THE WAY YOUR COMPANY SERVES THE MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY?

ROBERT SAUCEDO President Carreras Tours Ontario, California

President,

One of our coaches lost windshield wipers during an out-of-town trip. I called Magic Carpet Tours to locate a place where I could purchase windshield wipers. When we were unable to locate them, Owner James Brown took the wipers off his coach and put them on our coach so we could make it back safely.

The UMA

Travel Insurance Program

Revenue

Email

Northwest Navigator needed help and I sent out two buses to Portland, Oregon. When our driver broke three windows on the side of the bus by trying to manuever through a tight space, Northwest Navigator owners Joe and Roxanne Gillis bailed me out by replacing them. We are in the Spader UMA 20 Group together, and that has strengthened our relationship. The group encourages members to reach out to each other because we are from different parts of the country, and we can help each other when there’s an issue. The networking in that group is priceless.

Last summer we received a call from our friends at Croswell. John Robert Croswell was in need of an immediate AC fix for his group heading to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a quick fix. We had a bus and a driver on standby that took over the trip. By the time the group was done, they had a repaired bus downstate waiting for them! As fate would have it, within months, we had an almost identical issue arise that was resolved by John and his team at Croswell while our group was at their event. By the time the event was over, the bus was repaired and they were none the wiser! Both groups were extremely satisfied that they were not inconvenienced by the mechanical failure. If not for friends in the UMA, these issues could have been real revenue breakers. If only all mechanical issues were this easy to resolve!

Advertiser INDEX

Thanks to these businesses for supporting the UMA EXPO Express 2023 magazine, a tribute to operators working together to keep motorcoaches on the road so they can bring passengers safely to their destinations.

JASON CUPP Co-owner/ Safety Manager Blue Lakes Charter and Tours Clio, Michigan

MARCIA MILTON Vice

RMA Coach RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation Rockville, Maryland

ALWAYS FORWARD