By Rick Mullen,
Busline Magazine Associate Editor

The following import/export categories include motor buses, coaches, trolley buses and gyrobuses.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, U.S. Census Bureau trade figures for March 2018 indicated vehicle imports were down in four categories outlined, compared to February 2018.

The United States imported 230 vehicles in March 2018, up 26 percent from 182 vehicles imported in February 2018. During the first three months of 2018, 585 vehicles were imported.

During the first three months of 2018, Canada sent 241 vehicles to the United States, while Mexico exported 144 and Macedonia shipped 150.

The average price per vehicle for March 2018 was $410,624.72, down less than 1 percent from the average price for February 2018 of $410,916.18. The average price for the first three months of 2018 was $409,086.35.

Public-Transport Passenger Vehicles For Transport Of 10 Or More Persons With Only Comp-Ign Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel), Other

The United States received 53 vehicles in March 2018, up significantly from three vehicles for February 2018. During the first three months of 2018, 108 vehicles were imported.

Germany sent 106 vehicles during the first three months of 2018.

The average price of the vehicles for March 2018 was $53,318.62, up 27 percent from the average price for February 2018 of $41,983.67. The average price for the first three months of 2018 was $56,143.80.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Comp-Ign Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel), And Electric Motor Designed For Transport Of 16 Or More Persons

No vehicles in this category were imported during the first three months of 2018.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles For Transport Of 10 Or More Persons With Comp-Ign Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel), And Electric

No vehicles in this category were imported during the first three months of 2018.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine And Electric Motor For 16 Or More Persons

No vehicles in this category were imported during February 2018 or January 2018.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Both Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine and Electric Motor for 10 to 15 Persons

The United States imported no vehicles in this category during March 2018. During the first three months of 2018, Japan shipped one vehicle at a price of $10,325.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Electric Motor Only, For Transport Of 16 Or More Persons Including Driver

The United States imported five vehicles during March 2018, up 400 percent from one vehicle for February 2018. During the first three months of 2018, six vehicles were imported.

China shipped four vehicles during the first three months of 2018, while Canada and the United Kingdom sent one each.

The average price per vehicle for March 2018 was $182,021.20, down 13 percent from $210,284 for February 2018. The average price for the first three months of 2018 was $186,731.67.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles, With Electric Motor Only For Propulsion, NESOI

The United States imported no vehicles in this category during March 2018. During February 2018, nine vehicles (all of the vehicles shipped during the first three months of 2018) were imported from China.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles For 16 Or More Persons Including Driver, NESOI

The United States imported 92 vehicles during March 2018, down 30 percent from 132 for February 2018. During the first three months of 2018, 284 vehicles were imported

Canada sent 260 vehicles to the United States during the first three months of 2018.

The average price per vehicle for March 2018 was $77,955.74, down 6 percent from $83,103.52 for February 2018. The average price for the first three months of 2018 was $78,023.91.

Motor Vehicles For The Transport Of 10 To 15 Persons Including Driver, NESOI

The United States imported 68 vehicles during March 2018, down 8 percent from 74 during February 2018. During the first three months of 2018, 391 vehicles were imported.

Germany sent 234 vehicles to the United States during the first three months of 2018, while Canada exported 144 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for March 2018 was $42,661.82, down 11 percent from $47,763.30 for February 2018. The average price for the first three months of 2018 was $47,743.22.

Export totals for March 2018 were up in all four categories, compared to February 2018.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With A Compression-Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel) Only

The United States exported 684 vehicles during March 2018, up 11 percent from 615 vehicles exported in February 2018. During the first three months of 2018, 1,878 vehicles were exported.

Canada received 967 vehicles during the first three months of 2018, while Mexico imported 465.

The average price per vehicle for March 2018 was $71,321.37, down 8 percent from the average price for February 2018 of $77,385.30. The average price for the first three months of 2018 was $77,178.10.

Public-Transport Vehicles With Both Compression-Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel) & Electric Motor

The United States shipped 14 vehicles in March 2018, up 133 percent from six vehicles for February 2018. During the first three months of 2018, 24 vehicles were exported.

The Dominican Republic received five vehicles during the first three months of 2018, while Belize and the United Kingdon imported three each.

The average price per vehicle for March 2018 was $14,740.21, down 40 percent from the average price for February 2018 of $24,761.67. The average price for the first three months of 2018 was $15,526.29.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Both Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine & Electric Motor

The United States exported 20 vehicles in March 2018, up 82 percent from 11 vehicles for February 2018. During the first three months of 2018, 40 vehicles were exported.

Mexico received 18 vehicles during the first three months of 2018.

The average price per vehicle for March 2018 was $31,890.95, up 16 percent from the average price for February 2018 of $27,517.82. The average price for the first three months of 2018 was $28,528.13.

Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Only Electric Motor For Propulsion

The United States shipped seven in March 2018, up 75 percent from four vehicles for February 2018. During the first three months of 2018, 12 vehicles were exported.

Germany received seven vehicles during the first three months of 2018.

The average price of the vehicles for March 2018 was $72,688, up 28 percent from the price for February 2018 of $56,735.75. The average price for the first three months of 2018 was $65,896.58.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

Prevost Welcomes Largest Ever Group Of Mechanics And Technicians For Factory Training

As they have since 2000, the Prevost Field Service Department, along with the team of regional customer support managers, hosted mechanics and technicians from throughout North America for five days in March during the company’s Annual Factory Training in Quebec City, Canada. This year 55 attended, the largest number since Prevost founded the program 18 years ago.

“Prevost has always taken a very direct, hands-on approach to maintenance training,” said Prevost Director of Aftermarket Training North America Robert Hitt. “We relate directly with our customers’ mechanics and technicians who do the work on our coaches back at their shops.”

Following is a testimonial regarding the event:

“I want to thank the Prevost team for the fantastic hospitality in Quebec. Your team went over the top. The training team was very knowledgeable on questions I had and trained me on much I did not know. Just today, I had an electrical issue that I resolved with the help of the training I received,” said Justin Liss, Gray Line of Tennessee.

Prevost said the week of intense maintenance training enables participants to build further on their technical and diagnostic insight, review recent product developments, and strengthen their own networks with other Prevost operators across North America.The event sets the pace for subsequent training sessions that take place at select Prevost Service Centers over the coming year.

“These coach mechanics bring their unique perspective in knowing just how to fix a problem, once they’ve determined the cause,” said Hitt. “Their job takes a particular type of person who can get the picture, and then dig in to fix what’s not working. The way we see it, these sessions also allow us to learn from the very people we train.”

First day activities included a guided tour of the Prevost factory, a visit to the newly-opened Prevost Museum for a look back at the company’s history, and some time to enjoy Quebec City. The week concluded with an awards dinner that recognized the three top-scoring attendees.

“During that time, with books, agenda, contacts for the week and safety gear in hand, this year’s group of mechanics attended their pre-selected one- and two-day classes over four days of hands-on training with two Prevost instructors assigned to each class.

“We employ our regional service managers for this training, as they are our product experts,” said Hitt. “These are the go-to guys with the answers and solutions to all technical questions that arise.”

Prevost originally provided the training from the factory floor, but once the number of attendees outgrew the available space, the company teamed with a technical training school nearby to use its classrooms, complete with projection systems and training bays.

The Prevost Factory Training 2018 curriculum included:

• Prevost Electrical – Prevost Multiplex and PRIME systems operation and diagnostics; on board diagnostics and troubleshooting; and schematic familiarization;

• HVAC Systems – Component identification; HVAC controls; troubleshooting and system diagnosis;

• Volvo Drive Train – Volvo D13 emissions and engine evolution; PTT advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting; sensor location and ECU communication; valve adjustment and maintenance;

• Pneumatic Braking Systems – Pneumatic system overview; system operation; maintenance and function; valves and operation; Bendix Knorr caliper;

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) – Automatic Brake System (ABS) and Adaptive Cruise Braking (ACB);

• Accessory Pneumatic System – Suspension; kneeler; entrance door; high buoy and low buoy;

• Transmission – Allison transmission diagnostics; troubleshooting; recommendations for replacement; I-Shift transmission familiarization and troubleshooting; and,

• Greenhouse Gas – Changes to emissions; engine and coach systems; electric fan drive and charging system.

Throughout the remainder of the year, Prevost conducts its regional training seminars at select locations within its North American service network.

“We try to conduct one training session per year at each Prevost location that can accommodate large groups,” said Hitt. “We can promote our branches, and we make it more convenient for our customers in those areas to take part in our training programs.”

According to Hitt, one of the many important features of all Prevost training programs is the opportunity to establish lasting relationships with like-minded employees from other areas of the country.

“This is something we encourage from the first day, because that person in the next seat could well be the individual to contact if, and when, a driver has an issue with the coach in his region. Establishing these contacts after the training can be as important as attending the seminars.”

Prevost makes available all training materials from the sessions, and shares attendee contact information by permission with the class members.

For more information, visit www.prevostcar.com.

BYD’s eBus-7 running on Udo, the largest island of Jeju, South Korea.

BYD Electric Bus Launched On South Korea’s Jeju Island

According to a press release, BYD has launched 20 pure electric buses on South Korea’s Jeju Island, the largest project of its kind in northeast Asia. The BYD eBus-7 will operate in Udo, the largest island of Jeju.

“The vehicle’s compact 15-seater body enables it to navigate the narrow roads of this small island with ease, and without any carbon emissions. The eBus-7 can travel a minimum range of 200 kilometers on a single charge, requiring only two hours to be fully charged,” the press release said.

Pictured is the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the BYD electric bus launch on Jeju Island, South Korea.

Last December, Company President and Founder Wang Chuanfu was among a group of industry delegates invited to attend a discussion with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, during his official visit to China. Earlier, BYD also welcomed a group of 60 residents from Udo Island — approximately 5 percent of the local population — as they personally inspected the eBus-7 at BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters, before the order was placed.

BYD Company Ltd., is one of China’s largest privately owned enterprises. Since its inception in 1995, the company has developed expertise in rechargeable batteries, and has become an advocate of sustainable development, expanding its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 50 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.byd.com.

Nova Bus Awarded Contract With Regional Transit Service In Rochester, NY

“Nova Bus, Volvo Group’s North American bus division, has been awarded a five-year contract to supply replacement public transit buses for use in Monroe County, NY, by Regional Transit Service (RTS). The contract calls for an initial base order of up to 15 diesel fueled, 40-foot buses, with up to a total of 85, over the life of the contract. The new vehicles will be fully assembled in Nova Bus’ Plattsburgh, NY, plant with first deliveries expected in 2019,” according to a press release.

“We are delighted to welcome RTS among our new customers. We are proud to offer transit users in Monroe County buses that are entirely assembled in New York state,” said Martin Larose, vice president and general manager of Nova Bus.

“The order comes after a tendering process that included an RTS visit to the Nova Bus manufacturing plant, to better understand its assembly line and quality assurance processes. The assessment team was able to observe the quality of the product, the complexity of its design, its physical features and the training/technical support Nova Bus provides customers.”

Nova Bus said it is the only transit bus manufacturer with a plant in New York state. It generates nearly 300 direct jobs in the region, and supports many indirect jobs, working with a network of more than 100 local suppliers in New York state.

Nova Bus is a provider of sustainable transit solutions in North America including hybrid electric buses, high-capacity vehicles and integrated intelligent transportation systems. Following its Electro MobilityTM strategy, Nova Bus is moving forward with the electrification of its vehicle key components to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. For more information visit, www.novabus.com.

Long Beach Transit Partners With Local High School To Increase Student Ridership

Long Beach Transit (LBT), Long Beach, CA, to help enhance transit ridership among students, has announced a partnership with the Pacific Rim Academy at Long Beach Polytechnic High School (Poly) to gain students’ perspectives and attitudes toward bus ridership.

“In October 2017, LBT began working with two 10th grade classes to better understand why students are not using public transit as frequently as in years past. Working in teams, the students developed and conducted a survey to garner feedback from their peers, and then developed marketing strategies to increase bus ridership. The teams presented their plans to the LBT staff in December 2017, who then selected the top three proposals. Those teams presented their findings to LBT’s CEO, deputy CEO and other key staff in January,” according to LBT.

“The 10th graders gained real-world experience tackling an important issue faced by LBT and other transit systems across the country. The finalists presented a range of ideas from on-campus marketing to forming partnerships with established brands.”

LBT said it is planning to implement a summer high school internship program partnering with students who worked on this project.

For more information, visit www.lbtransit.com.

From Fort Worth’s Trinity Metro:
Funding Partnership Makes Riding Trolley Free

Fort Worth, TX, residents and visitors will now be able to ride around downtown for free on Trinity Metro’s Molly the Trolley, due to subsidies from the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., and Sundance Square. Downtown hotels are also helping pay for the service. The fare-free service began March 1.

“We are excited to provide Molly service at no cost to customers, and we appreciate the participation of our community partners to make that happen,” said Paul Ballard, president and CEO of Trinity Metro. “Molly has always been a popular route for getting to the many downtown attractions.”

The cost of operating Molly the Trolley is approximately $1 million each year. The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., Sundance Square and downtown hotels will be contributing a total of nearly $136,800 annually to help offset some of that cost.

Molly runs every 15 minutes, every day of the year, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.