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 July 2020 indicated vehicle imports were down in six categories outlined, compared to July 2019. For the first seven months of 2020, vehicles imports were down in seven categories, compared to the first seven months of 2019.

The United States imported 129 vehicles in July 2020, down 41 percent from 219 vehicles for July 2019. For the first seven months of 2020, the United States imported 845 vehicles, down 45 percent from 1,541 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

Canada sent 646 vehicles to the United States during the first seven months of 2020, while Mexico shipped 144 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for July 2020 was $267,808.55, down 18 percent from $326,188.17 for July 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first seven months of 2020 was $285,577.90, down 11 percent from $321,717.81 for the first seven months of 2019.

8702106100 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 three vehicles in July 2020, compared to 67 in July 2019. For the first seven months of 2020, the United States imported 108 vehicles, compared to 1,156 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

The United States imported 100 vehicles from Germany during the first seven months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle in July 2020 was $46,404.33, down 7 percent from #50,086.59 for July 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first seven months of 2020 was $66,134.81, up 58 percent from $41,764.52 for the first seven months of 2019.

The United States imported nine vehicles in this category during July 2020, compared to one vehicle for July 2019. During the first seven months of 2020, 114 vehicles were imported, down 33 percent from 170 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

All the vehicles were imported from Canada, during the first seven months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for July 2020 was $240,197.56, up less than 1 percent from $240,184 for July 2019. The average price for the first seven months of 2020 was $246,871.50, up 8 percent from $228,430.22 for the first seven months of 2019.

The United States imported no vehicles in this category during July 2020 or July 2019. Four vehicles were imported during the first seven months of 2020, up 100 percent from two vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

Canada sent three vehicles, while Mexico exported one vehicle.

The average price per vehicle for the first seven months of 2020 was $167,341.75, compared to $15,200 for the first seven months of 2019.

The United States imported no vehicles in this category during July 2020 or July 2019. One vehicle was imported during the first seven months of 2020 from the United Kingdom, at a price of $8,357.

The United States imported 28 vehicles during July 2020, down 13 percent from 32 vehicles for July 2019. During the first seven months of 2020, 91 vehicles were received, down 70 percent from 307 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

China shipped 54 vehicles during the first seven months of 2020, while Canada sent 34 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for July 2020 was $227,382, up 38 percent from $165,104.21 for July 2019. The average price for the first seven months of 2020 was $115,010.63, down 6 percent from $122,565.41 for the first seven months of 2019.

The United States imported no vehicles during July 2020, compared to 14 vehicles for July 2019. During the first seven months of 2020, 62 vehicles were imported, down 19 percent from 77 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

China sent all of the vehicles during the first seven months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for the first seven months of 2020 was $9,598.18, up 21 percent from $7,936.68 for the first seven months of 2019.

The United States imported 157 vehicles during July 2020, down 13 percent from 181 vehicles for July 2019. During the first seven months of 2020, 776 vehicles were received, down 7 percent from 834 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

Canada sent 773 vehicles to the United States during the first seven months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for July 2020 was $81,262.17, down 17 percent from $98,056.87 for July 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first seven months of 2020 was $99,256.75, up 33 percent from $74,842.90 for the first seven months of 2019.

The United States imported 50 vehicles during July 2020, down 65 percent from 143 vehicles for July 2019. During the first seven months of 2020, 339 vehicles were received, down 63 percent from 912 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

Canada sent 207 vehicles to the United States during the first seven months of 2020, while Germany exported 105 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for July 2020 was $35,547.42, down 17 percent from $42,862.57 for July 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first seven months of 2020 was $44,316.50, up 6 percent from $41,904.72 for the first seven months of 2019.

EXPORTS

Export totals for July 2020 were down in all four categories, compared to July 2019. For the first seven months of 2020, two categories reported increases.

The United States exported 672 vehicles during July 2020, down 18 percent from 821 vehicles exported in July 2019. During the first seven months of 2020, 3,842 vehicles were sent, down 9 percent from 4,228 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

Canada received 2,089 vehicles during the first seven months of 2020, while Mexico imported 1,306.

The average price per vehicle for July 2020 was $84,079.44, up 24 percent from $67,738.08 for July 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first seven months of 2020 was $70,180.73, up 3 percent from $68,181.40 for the first seven months of 2019.

8702200000 Public-Transport Vehicles With Both Compression-Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel) & Electric Motor

The United States shipped seven vehicles in July 2020, down 86 percent from 49 vehicles for July 2019. During the first seven months of 2020, 199 vehicles were exported, compared to 2,131 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

Canada received 91 vehicles during the first seven months of 2020, while Nigeria imported 48 vehicles, and Mexico 26 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for July 2020 was $12,500, down 42 percent from $21,427.89 for July 2019. The average price for the first seven months of 2020 was $42,917.51, up 53 percent from $27,976.15 for the first seven months of 2019.

The United States exported 19 vehicles in July 2020, down 39 percent from 31 vehicles for July 2019. During the first seven months of 2020, 316 vehicles were sent, up 65 percent from 191 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

Mexico received 214 vehicles during the first half 2020.

The average price per vehicle for July 2020 was $24,929.32, down 1 percent from $25,088.22 for July 2019. The average price for the first seven months of 2020 was $31,403.25, down 3 percent from $32,455.51 for the first seven months of 2019.

8702400000 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Only Electric Motor For Propulsion

The United States shipped two vehicles in July 2020, compared to 55 vehicles for July 2019. During the first seven months of 2020, 1,362 vehicles were exported, compared to 404 vehicles for the first seven months of 2019.

Canada received 1,341 vehicles during the first seven months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for July 2020 was $316,022.50, compared to $31,358 for July 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first seven months of 2020 was $35,771.75, up 20 percent from $29,741.59 for the first seven months of 2019.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

Proair Appoints New President

ProAir LLC, a KODA Enterprises Group Portfolio company, has announced the appointment of Matt Scheuler to the position of president.

“Scheuler joins ProAir with a wealth of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of vehicle OEM assembly operations and sales distribution gained from over 15 years of manufacturing experience. His previous industry experience demonstrates an increasing level of success and responsibility, culminating as the president of Collins Bus Corporation,” said the company.

Scheuler holds a degree in computer science and business from Wichita State University.

“With his extensive market knowledge, operations and sales background coupled with his industry understanding and experience, ProAir is very fortunate to have Matt join our team to lead our mobile HVAC business and customer support capabilities,” said KODA COO Jim Peden.

ProAir LLC designs, manufactures, installs and supports a complete line of advanced mobile air conditioning, heating and air filtration systems for the bus transportation and speciality vehicle markets, including emergency vehicles, construction, RV, agriculture industry, as well as systems for school, commercial, shuttle, transit and para transit buses. ProAir HVAC systems are available for both conventional and electric drive vehicles. ProAir also offers a complete line of aftermarket service parts and on-site product training services.

For more information, visit www.proairllc.com.

Late MTS CEO Paul Jablonski Receives Hall Of Fame Award For Career From APTA

Former San Diego Metropolitan Transit System CEO Paul Jablonski, who suddenly passed away earlier this year at the age of 67, has been inducted to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Hall of Fame for his contributions to public transportation, his dedication to advancing the industry, and outstanding leadership over a 40-year career.

According to a press release, “This award is the national association’s highest honor dedicated to recognize individuals who have long and distinguished careers in the transportation industry. During Paul Jablonski’s last 16 years, he completely transformed MTS into an efficient multi-modal public transit provider with one the best state-of-good-repair records in the country.

“A steady theme throughout Paul’s career was about contributing to the advancement of transit in the United States and around the world,” said Paul P. Skoutelas APTA president/CEO. “Paul had a team-first collaborative nature. His contributions, moving our industry forward, will be deeply missed, but he has helped us forge a promising path that other transit leaders can follow into the future.”

In 2009, only four years into his role as CEO at MTS, the agency was awarded Outstanding Large System of the Year becoming the first transportation agency in the country to ever score the highest in every quantitative measure. He was also recognized by APTA as the Outstanding Transportation Manager of the Year in 2014.

“Paul had a unique ability to have real clarity and precise vision about what we needed to do as a transit agency,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS board chair and San Diego County supervisor. “He built a culture of professionalism and execution at MTS. He’s the reason MTS is such a great agency now. I’d like to thank APTA for recognizing Paul as a 2021 Hall of Fame recipient. It’s a befitting award that comes from an organization Paul sincerely admired.”

While at the MTS helm, Paul Jablonski’s most notable accomplishments included:

• Set back-to-back annual ridership records in 2014 and 2015;
• Oversaw the $660 million Trolley Renewal Project to revitalize the entire system;
• Reorganization and consolidation of the bus and trolley divisions under the MTS umbrella;
• Four consecutive perfect scores during MTS’ Triennial Review with the Federal Transit Administration;
• Led the redesign of the entire bus network through a Comprehensive Operational Analysis;
• Launched a new network of Rapid bus service;
• Helped ensure a Full-Funding Grant Agreement for the $2.1 billion extension of the trolley;
• Led the creation of a safety-first culture that resulted in three Safety Excellence Awards by APTA in 2015, 2017 and 2018;
• Led APTA’s TCRP Oversight and Project Selection;
• Led the agency’s green fleet goals by transitioning its bus fleet to mostly compressed natural gas and implementing a zero-emission bus pilot program.

Jablonski, who began his career as a bus driver, held many positions throughout the years, including serving on the APTA Executive Committee and as chair of the California Transit Association’s Executive Committee, a position which enabled him to lead efforts to restore state funding for all California transit agencies in the immediate aftermath of the Great Recession.

Before his death on May 10, 2020, he had been leading MTS through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership, vision and values laid the groundwork for the agency’s recovery; a legacy that is now being continued by his successor, Sharon Cooney.

APTA’s foundation has set up the Paul Jablonski Scholarship to help deserving students and transit professionals further their education. Donations can be accepted here.

MTS continues to operate about 95 bus routes and three Trolley lines. Frequencies and spans have been restored to near-pre-COVID-19 levels. Updated schedules can be accessed on the MTS website. MTS asks that that people wear face coverings at all times and practice physical distancing when possible.

CCW To Supply Two Completely Rehabbed 60 Foot Buses To Capital Area Transit

Complete Coach Works (CCW) was recently awarded a contract from Capital Area Transit (CAT) to supply two rehabbed 60-foot articulated New Flyer buses.

“In the post COVID-19 world, agencies such as CAT seek ways to mitigate the risk to its passengers and drivers. In doing so, CAT has partnered with CCW to provide them with the utmost protection and deliver a more comfortable passenger, and driver experience. The 60-foot articulated vehicles will provide more space for riders to enhance social distancing. The rehabbed buses will also improve the reliability of bus service throughout Harrisburg, PA,” said CCW.

“We recently earned the American Public Transit Association’s Health and Safety Commitment seal. It means we are committed to keeping transit safe during COVID-19. Riders rely on us, and it is our shared responsibility to assist in protecting them. If we can add any more space to the vehicles to increase distancing between passengers, then that’s the right course of action. We are an essential service and it’s critical that we keep the region moving forward,” said CAT Executive Director Richard H. Farr.

Work will be performed at CCW’s headquarters located in Riverside, CA. The buses will be equipped with Cummins Recon ISL engines and rebuilt Allison transmissions. Upgrades include new driver seats, reupholstered and repainted passenger seats, new interior and exterior LED lighting, and ADA compliant wheelchair ramps. Additional work includes new brakes and suspensions, steering components, and destination signs.

“CCW looks forward to our ongoing partnership with Capital Area Transit,” said Brad Carson, director of sales and marketing for CCW. “Our top concern is ensuring our customers can provide safe and reliable transportation, in a cost-effective manner, during this unprecedented time. We believe these buses will be a great addition to their fleet. We commend CAT for taking extra precautions for the safety of their riders and the community it serves.”

Complete Coach Works (CCW) has over 30 years in the transportation industry.

Capital Area Transit (CAT) also known as the Cumberland-Dauphin-Harrisburg Transit Authority, is a regional public transportation agency that operates bus and shared ride/paratransit services in the Harrisburg, PA, metropolitan area. CAT's shared ride/paratransit operations serve residents throughout Dauphin County.

For more information, visit completecoach.com.

Oceanside, CA
NCTD Reaffirms Safety First Pledge By Joining National Program To Protect Riders And Boost Confidence in Riding Transit

“With transit ridership down throughout the San Diego region and across the nation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the North County Transit District (NCTD)has joined the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) “Health and Safety Commitments Program," reaffirming their commitment to protecting transit rider health and safety along with more than 100 other public transportation agencies.

“Joining APTA’s Health and Safety Commitments Program was a natural fit for NCTD since we are already following many of these core responsibilities. We clean facilities and vehicles daily during layovers, and we require facial coverings for employees and riders. We put the health of our riders and employees first,” said NCTD Board Chair and Encinitas Council Member Tony Kranz. “With the partnership of APTA and the other agencies across the country, we can strengthen the public’s trust in transit and keep our community thriving.”

The core health and safety principles of the APTA program were developed based on a nationwide survey, which identified four focus areas important to transit riders during COVID-19:

• Creating and following policies based on official public health guidelines;

• Cleaning and disinfecting transit vehicles frequently and requiring face coverings and other protections;

• Sharing information with passengers about safest times and routes to ride and respecting rider space and social distance; and,

• Requiring riders and employees to avoid public transit if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill.

A key component of the Health and Safety Commitments Program is the shared responsibility between NCTD and riders to follow all health and safety guidelines. Riders rely on NCTD to follow these commitments, and NCTD relies on riders to protect themselves, other riders, and NCTD employees. To that end, riders are encouraged to remember the following requirements while riding with NCTD:

• Face Coverings: All passengers are required to wear face coverings while using NCTD services. Face coverings must cover the rider’s nose and mouth and must always be worn when riding transit and on transit property. Masks (purchased or homemade) may include bandanas, scarves, and neck gaiters. Complimentary face masks may also be found on NCTD buses and trains.

• Rear Boarding: Rear door boarding remains in effect for all BREEZE buses, which requires bus riders to enter and exit through the rear door of the vehicle. Senior and ADA passengers are allowed to enter and exit through the front door as normal. Bus operator protective barriers are being installed on all buses. It is expected that these will be in place by the end of the year, and at that time front door boarding will resume.

• Social Distancing: Practice social distancing measures when possible and respect fellow riders’ space.

The APTA Health and Safety Commitments Program underscores the importance of transit to the recovery of our nation and our local communities and takes a long-term outlook to garnering the trust of current and future riders.

“This program is a commitment that the transit industry is making to all those we serve now and to those who we look forward to serving,” said Nuria I. Fernandez, APTA chair and general manager and CEO of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. “Public transportation is, and will be, vital to the social and economic recovery of our nation. But getting there requires us to win back our ridership and encourage new riders to view public transit as a preferred mobility choice. We believe this commitment program will help accomplish this goal.”

The North County Transit District provides over 10 million passenger trips throughout North San Diego County and into downtown San Diego.

Cincinnati (OH) Metro Receives APTA Gold Award For Security Excellence

For the fourth time, Cincinnati Metro has received the top honor among mid-size transit systems from APTA, for security excellence.

“The APTA Bus Safety And Security Excellence Awards recognize innovative and proactive safety and security programs conducted by public transport providers. The awards help the industry by benchmarking successful programs so other systems can implement and fine-tune their programs based on the findings of their peers,” said Cincinnati Metro.

“Congratulations to the award-winning public transit systems for their successful safety and security transportation programs that are models of excellence for the industry,” said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “The implementation of those initiatives demonstrates the ongoing commitment to improving safety and security for their passengers, employees and communities in the public transit industry.”

Among its security practices, Cincinnati Metro has installed customer-facing monitors that broadcast a live feed of on-board security cameras to promote customer safety and security on board. Metro also utilizes real-time, wireless video monitoring equipment to assist law enforcement in the event of security incidents, and has put into place a number of security related programs and partnerships for operator and emergency personnel training.

Cincinnati Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 13.5 million rides per year.