October 2018 Summary

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 August 2018 indicated vehicle imports were down in four categories outlined, compared to July 2018.

The United States imported 87 vehicles in August 2018, down 63 percent from 238 vehicles for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 1,464 vehicles were imported.

During the first eight months of 2018, Canada sent 618 vehicles to the United States, while Macedonia exported 381 and Mexico shipped 343.

The average price per vehicle for August 2018 was $359,686.40, down 7 percent from the average price for July 2018 of $386,962.88. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $400,618.61.

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 144 vehicles in August 2018, down 57 percent from 338 vehicles for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 974 vehicles were imported.

Germany sent 535 vehicles during the first eight months of 2018, while Argentina shipped 425.

The average price of the vehicles for August 2018 was $46,634.07, up 11 percent from the average price for July 2018 of $41,968.69. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $44,255.40.

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

The United States received no vehicles during August 2018, down 100 percent from one for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, five vehicles were imported.

Macedonia and Canada sent two vehicles each, while Belgium shipped one, during the first eight months of 2018.

The price of the vehicle imported in July 2018 was $1 million. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $509,146.80.

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 eight 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 the first eight months of 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 July or August 2018. During the first eight 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 two vehicles during August 2018, up 100 percent from one vehicle for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 15 vehicles were imported.

China shipped 12 vehicles during the first eight months of 2018.

The average price for August 2018 was $37,150, down 80 percent from $185,250 for July 2018. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $186,212.47.

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

The United States imported six vehicles in this category during August 2018, down 33 percent from nine vehicles for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 59 vehicles were imported, all from China.

The average price for August 2018 was $8,713.33, down 7 percent from $9,373.44 for July 2018. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $8,169.54.

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

The United States imported 123 vehicles during August 2018, up 24 percent from 99 vehicles for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 804 vehicles were imported

Canada sent 780 vehicles to the United States during the first eight months of 2018.

The average price per vehicle for August 2018 was $55,554.44, down 23 percent from $72,317.40 for July 2018. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $74,653.27.

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

The United States imported 150 vehicles during August 2018, up 21 percent from 124 for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 1,129 vehicles were imported.

Canada sent 621 vehicles to the United States during the first eight months of 2018, while Germany exported 465 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for August 2018 was $48,386.31, up 4 percent from $46,339.12 for July 2018. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $45,797.04.

Export totals for August 2018 were up in three categories, compared to July 2018.

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

The United States exported 1,241 vehicles during August 2018, up 38 percent from 899 vehicles exported in July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 6,210 vehicles were exported.

Canada received 3,906 vehicles during the first eight months of 2018, while Mexico imported 1,102.

The average price per vehicle for August 2018 was $91,039.31, up 22 percent from the average price for July 2018 of $74,811.55. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $79,723.14.

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

The United States shipped 26 vehicles in August 2018, down 30 percent from 37 vehicles for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 316 vehicles were exported.

Venezuela imported 140 vehicles during the first eight months of 2018, while Canada received 68 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for August 2018 was $10,757.58, up less than 1 percent from the average price for July 2018 of $10,751.73. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $23,782.58.

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

The United States exported 42 vehicles in August 2018, up 8 percent from 39 vehicles for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 210 vehicles were exported.

Mexico received 72 vehicles during the first eight months of 2018, while Canada imported 34.

The average price per vehicle for August 2018 was $32,027.67, down 19 percent from the average price for July 2018 of $39,635. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $34,442.05.

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

The United States shipped six vehicles in August 2018, up 200 percent from two vehicles for July 2018. During the first eight months of 2018, 45 vehicles were exported.

Canada received nine vehicles during the first eight months of 2018, while Germany imported eight.

The average price of the vehicles for August 2018 was $35,734, up 42 percent from the average price for July 2018 of $25,250. The average price for the first eight months of 2018 was $148,695.40.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

Prevost Veteran Dale Paziuk Joins New Coach Sales Team

Prevost recently added 19-year company veteran, Dale Paziuk, to its new coach sales team. Paziuk began his position as new coach regional sales manager, both in western Canada and the northwestern U.S., in early September.

Prevost said Paziuk resides in Ladner, BC, Canada, and is very familiar with his territory, which includes British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba provinces, and dips into Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Wyoming in the Lower 48 of the U.S.

Paziuk joined Prevost in 1999, beginning as a field service representative serving the Northwest, after earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, and working several years for other organizations within the bus and coach industry.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better, more thorough introduction to Prevost,” said Paziuk. “Traveling extensively through this large territory has provided so many excellent opportunities to talk to many owner-operators. My work during those years was primarily with the mechanics and technicians performing maintenance and training on their coaches.”

When the company opened its Prevost Service Center in 2010, in the Delta area near Vancouver, BC, Paziuk filled the branch manager position. During his six-year tenure, he assisted with the expansion of the facility, and oversaw its eventual relocation to the current, larger six-bay facility in Richmond, BC.

In 2016, he moved into parts sales as regional sales manager, northwest, which took him further north into his new territory that included Alaska; a move that helped prepare him for his current role in new coach sales.

Paziuk said that it was always his intent to eventually work for Prevost in new coach sales; and he is now eager to apply all he has learned and experienced from a technical capacity, to serving his customers in areas that for now, are somewhat new to him.

“To one day accept this position was a goal I set early in my career,” he said. “While my technical knowledge is an asset, and though I am fortunate to already know so many of our long-time operators in this region, and many of the newer companies that have come along since, I have more to learn. I have been waiting a long time to dive into these new waters.”

Regarding his new position, Paziuk said his additional responsibilities include a better understanding, and to accurately communicate with operators concerning the deeper issues of company finances and sound economics.

“I want to always be convinced my customers are purchasing the correct coach, and the most suitable configurations for their operations and business platforms,” he said. “Working for a company I have always believed builds the best products and communicates every aspect of excellence, will make this much easier for me.”

Prevost is a manufacturer of premium intercity touring coaches and produces conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. Prevost has its main manufacturing facilities in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada and has 10 Parts and Service Centers located in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.prevostcar.com.

ARBOC Secures Order For Up To 40 Spirit Of Equess Medium-Duty Transit Buses For Ozark Regional Transit

ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC (ARBOC), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., announced that Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) in Arkansas, has ordered up to 40 Spirit of Equess® (Equess) low-floor, medium-duty transit buses. This includes eight 29-foot buses and four 34-foot buses, plus options for an additional 28 buses. The buses will be procured through ARBOC’s U.S. dealer, Creative Bus Sales (CBS).

“ARBOC is proud to provide fully accessible, low-floor buses to northwest Arkansas, and we look forward to working with CBS and ORT as they improve mobility in this region,” said Don Roberts, president of ARBOC. “We are proudly dedicated to leading the progression of equal access for everyone throughout North America. This award is our first order for the new Equess medium-duty bus model.”

The low-floor Equess vehicles have “kneeling” capabilities, making the boarding process more efficient, while enhancing Ozark Regional Transit’s 100 percent ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant fleet. The order will replace buses destroyed in a fire on January 9, 2017, and will supplement existing ARBOC low-floor cutaway buses in the ORT fleet.

“The Equess fits the characteristics of streets in the communities we serve,” said Joel Gardner, executive director of Ozark Regional Transit. “Keys to providing fixed route services in some areas are based on the overall length, width and turning radius of the vehicles. The Equess meets those needs very well. ARBOC has proven itself to be an excellent provider of transit vehicles and, in this case, can provide us with the delivery timeline we needed.”

Ozark Regional Transit serves the two county area of northwest Arkansas, including the cities of Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, and Rogers. ORT supports over 300,000 trips annually with 12 fixed routes throughout the region, and intends to increase the number of fixed routes in the future.

“With more than 3,000 buses in service, ARBOC leads the low-floor cutaway bus market providing unsurpassed passenger accessibility and comfort over traditional high-floor cutaway vehicles. ARBOC also offers a medium-duty bus for transit and shuttle applications,” said ARBOC.

For more information, visit www.arbocsv.com.

MCI Adds State-Of-The-Art Features To Its J4500 And Expands Offerings With Its Compact All-New 35-Foot J3500

“Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., has expanded its 2019 model lineup with a compact new MCI J3500 coach to meet increasing demand for right-sized comfort for smaller groups, niche customers and new markets, and introduces advances on the 2019 MCI J4500 with all electric coming in 2020,” said MCI.

Ian Smart, MCI president, said, “With the launch of a 35-foot J to all-electric versions of our best-selling models, MCI’s moves are based on feedback from our customers and requirements to meet their marketplace needs. Travel by motor coach is more relevant than ever. Our goal is to help capture new riders by offering a versatile coach product line with innovative features and long-term reliability.”

According to MCI, “Featuring all the styling and performance of the 45-foot MCI J4500, the new 2019 MCI J3500 comfortably seats up to 44 passengers with best-in-class interior, baggage capacity among all 35-foot vehicles and top maneuverability for congested city streets, airport terminals and other busy transportation settings.

“As for its respected sibling, the 2019 MCI J4500 builds on its striking 2018 interior redesign with mechanical and safety upgrades to match, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology delivered by the optional next-generation Bendix Fusion.

“Both J-Series models are built to delight owners and operators watching their maintenance budgets and maximizing uptime. A new e-Fan system boosts fuel efficiency delivering on lowest total cost of operation, with NFI Parts (new name of MCI Service Parts) parts support and near-zero learning curve for busy maintenance teams. Both models also come with the industry’s top limited warranty of 30 months with unlimited miles.”

The 2019 J4500 As Described By MCI:
MCI continues serviceability and reliability improvements, along with further enhancements to the award winning interior and best-in-class interior space that offers industry-leading legroom and comfort in a 60-seat passenger configuration launched in model year 2018. For 2019, the J4500 also features:

• A new swing-out cooling module e-Fan system improves coach reliability and fuel economy, while drastically reducing the time required for service to after-treatment sensors and all “hot side” engine components.

• The optional next-generation BENDIX WINGMAN FUSION with radar and camera to detect and stop for stationary objects (SVB), including lane departure warning (LDW), following distance alerts (FDA), and traffic sign recognition (TRS) in addition to Adaptive Cruise Control with Braking (ACB) and Collision Mitigation (CMT).

• Several other model year 2019 improvements include enhancements to MCI’s optional 360-degree camera system; added condition air supply vents to the driver’s cockpit; a new sliding upper door for the wheelchair lift; and further adjustments to the coach’s back cabin interior to increase passenger comfort.

The 2019 J3500 As Described By MCI:
For MCI, the development of a 35-foot coach answers an important market need.

“The MCI J4500 built its leadership status as a luxury, high-capacity coach that remains the perfect choice for larger ridership in the tour, charter and shuttle industry,” said Brent Maitland, MCI vice president of marketing and product planning. “But our operators told us they wanted the same luxury and functionality in a coach for smaller-sized groups that offers great maneuverability, a smooth ride and best-in-class payload capacity,” he said. “We think the J3500 and J4500 pairing gives operators real market flexibility. The J3500 coach delivers a ride quality you simply can’t find in a smaller, alternative vehicle. Its overall comfort and best-in-class baggage space can enable everything from ski trip excursions to private executive and employee transport.”

A summary Of MCI’s Newest 35-foot Coach Advantages As Described By The Company Include:
• Semi-monocoque construction equal to the J4500 means longer vehicle life, and also makes for a quieter, smoother ride over the life of the coach.

• An interior experience to match the J4500's best-in-class legroom for up to 44 passengers, and the largest baggage bay and enclosed parcel rack space than the nearest competitor.

• Interior options equal to the J4500, including an all-new optional rear window, interior RGB programmable lighting, and coordinated interior trim packages in Blues, Lounge and Tech.

• With a turning radius of just under 33 feet the J3500 means top maneuverability – literally opening up new cities, roads and neighborhoods for expanded coach service.

Both the J3500 and J4500 share coach systems technologies including electric, HVAC suspension, brakes, axles, frame and body components. Equipped with or without wheelchair lift and lavatory, the J3500 has a smaller, yet powerful 2017 EPA Cummins L9, 350 hp, 1150 lb-ft torque w/engine brake and Gen V Allison B500, 6-speed automatic with prognostics capability.

MCI launched the MCI J3500 coach to the industry during the 2018 BusCon Expo. Learn more about MCI’s J-Series features and specifications at www.mcicoach.com/J-Series.

“These product enhancements stem from significant support and investment from the NFI Group, and continue to build on our industry leadership,” said Smart. “In the last year, we’ve not only taken our J4500 to a new level, but we’ve launched the D45 CRT LE with patent-pending low-entry vestibule, providing a significant improvement to accessibility for all passengers, and especially for those with mobility disabilities. Further, we’ve committed to our battery-electric CHARGE range of vehicles with testing well underway and ahead of the production start.”

BYD Delivers 3 Battery-Electric Buses To Chattanooga

BYD (Build Your Dreams) announced that the Chattanooga Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) has taken delivery of its first three BYD K9 electric buses.

"We’re excited about receiving all three vehicles, and getting them out on the streets and tested,” said Lisa Maragnano, CARTA executive director. “We’re pleased about the enhanced service CARTA will provide to the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County through our partnership with BYD and Momentum Dynamics. Our new electric buses charge fast, efficiently and run emissions free all day. We look forward to the expansion of our electric vehicle fleet."

Earlier this year CARTA received a "Smart City" award for its electric vehicle charging and car-share project.

Momentum Dynamics developed a 200-kilowatt wireless charging system to support zero-emission transit buses in Chattanooga. The system automatically charges as passengers load and unload.

“We’re thrilled to partner with such a forward-thinking transit agency as CARTA. We believe our zero-emission buses are a perfect fit for its plans to use clean technology vehicles to serve customers and help keep the region’s air clean,” said Bobby Hill, vice president of BYD North America, coach and bus.

A press release stated, “BYD North America also recently announced its joint venture with Generate Capital, Inc., a financier, owner, and operator of distributed infrastructure, to launch the first electric bus leasing program of its kind in the United States. The firm is also the first electric bus manufacturer with a unionized workforce at its facility. The company has more than 800 employees in Lancaster, CA.”

The official sponsor of Mother Nature™, BYD is a manufacturer of electric vehicles and batteries, and has more than 35,000 buses in service across 200 cities, 50 countries and six continents. For more information, visit www.BYD.com.

RBS, Inc., a provider of tour and charter management software specifically designed for the motorcoach industry for more than 25 years, has been designing, implementing and supporting its premier products, GoChart and GoTour. The company describes its offerings as follows:

“GoTour, our cloud based tour management software, manages reservations, itineraries, payables, receivables, and produces management reports and customer documents for group and retail tours. Hosted in the cloud using AWS (Amazon Web Services), GoTour can be accessed using a broadband internet connection. The RBS professional staff actively monitors AWS services health, including continuous data backups, software updates, and network traffic analysis. RBS is now distributing GoTour v4.10 which includes ‘Blocked Out Passenger Inventory’ as well as many feature enhancements,” according to a press release.

“GoChart charter management system features customer and contract management, scheduling, dispatching, accounts receivable and numerous accounting/operations reports. Modules allow companies to purchase and customize the RBS system to fit their needs. The security module is powerful and has strict controls, and requires each employee to access RBS using a unique login and password. User-defined permissions allow access to specific areas of the program depending on job types such as administrator, salesperson, dispatcher and driver. RBS is now distributing v23 which includes user definable traits and attributes, batch emailing of driver's orders, customizable coloring of views and many feature enhancements. Traits are used to define properties of buses/customers such as a bus that is 'ADA compliant.' Attributes are used to create categories of customers and drivers. Version 23 also includes the ability to track a customer's requested and unwanted driver lists.

"GoChart’s web manager provides reliable credit card authorization, online quote generation and notification, and driver access to schedules. Web manger modules include:

• Credit Card Processing — Integrated into the RBS GoChart application;

• Quote Request — Customers request quotes online by providing basic information which is used to open a quote in GoChart. Email is forwarded to the customer and sales staff, notifying receipt of online quote;

• Online Driver Schedule — Provides web access to drivers’ schedules, allowing drivers to access schedules from home, office or anywhere with an Internet connection;

• Offsite Backup and Recovery software and services are designed with disaster recovery in mind. A backup client on your server connects remotely and backs up your critical RBS data daily. Only you and RBS have access to this data. Notification emails are sent each time the data is backed up. RBS ensures that backup data is properly available for restoration and maintains terminal services/remote desktop environment to which your data can be moved. You will have access for two users, for one month, while you re-establish your network infrastructure; and,

• GoText automatically provides scheduled text messages to drivers reminding them of upcoming assignments.”

Call RBS at 800-448-7001 or visit www.rbs2000.com to request an evaluation copy of GoChart, or, to schedule a demo of GoTour and start a 30-day trial.

TAPCO Launches New Connected Vehicle Interface

Traffic & Parking Control Company, Inc. (TAPCO), a manufacturer, distributor and service provider of traffic and parking control products, has introduced its new Connected Vehicle Interface.

“This enhancement option upgrades new and existing AC and solar-powered TAPCO Intelligent Warning Systems to integrate with connected vehicle-ready infrastructure. The Connected Vehicle Interface communicates with Smart City Road Side Units (RSUs) to relay Intelligent Warning System activation data to connected vehicles via Dedicated Short-Range Communication, 4G or 5G networks, providing drivers with instant in-vehicle alerts,” according to a press release.

“The Connected Vehicle Interface transfers system data through integration with local Advanced Traffic Management Systems providing officials with activation trends, status information and actionable insight into each connected system.”

Jon Zick, director of engineering and marketing at TAPCO, said, "As connected vehicles and smart city infrastructure continue to evolve, we decided now was the right time to ensure all TAPCO Intelligent Warning Systems have the capability to be connected vehicle ready. The Connected Vehicle Interface allows TAPCO to tap into existing RSUs to enhance driver responsiveness to our Intelligent Warning Systems. This innovation signals to customers that we're dedicated to advancing our technology in step with the needs of smart city and connected infrastructure."

For more information, visit www.tapconet.com.

TX’s Denton County Transportation Authority Receives 2018 Annual Achievement Of Excellence In Procurement Award

“The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) has been awarded the 23rd Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) Award for 2018 from the National Procurement Institute, Inc., (NPI). The AEP Award is earned by public and non-profit organizations that obtain a high application score based on standardized criteria,” according to DCTA.

The AEP program encourages the development of excellence, as well as continued organizational improvement to earn the award annually. In 2018, there were 201 successful applicants, including 45 counties, 65 cities, 27 higher education agencies, 26 school districts, 29 special districts and nine state agencies.

“We’re honored to have received this award for the third consecutive year,” said Marisa Perry, DCTA chief financial officer/vice president of finance. “This is a significant achievement not only for our agency, but also our procurement team who consistently maintain a consultative approach which enables us to better manage the expenditure of public funds.”

Formed in 2002 and funded in 2003, DCTA has been focused on the mobility needs of North Texas residents. The central element of the agency’s service plan is the A-train. In addition, DCTA provides Connect Bus service in Denton and Lewisville; Connect Shuttle and Community On-Demand services in Highland Village; Access service; Frisco Demand-Response service; Collin County Transit service; North Texas Xpress commuter bus service in partnership with Trinity Metro; and, University of North Texas (UNT) and North Central Texas College (NCTC) Campus Shuttle and vanpool services.

The agency carries nearly three million passengers annually system-wide.

For more information about DCTA, visit www.RideDCTA.net.