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 May 2018 indicated vehicle imports were up in three categories outlined, compared to April 2018.

The United States imported 190 vehicles in May 2018, up 14 percent from 166 vehicles for April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, 941 vehicles were imported.

During the first five months of 2018, Canada sent 428 vehicles to the United States, while Mexico exported 230 and Macedonia shipped 217.

The average price per vehicle for May 2018 was $422,821.31, up 5 percent from the average price for April 2018 of $404,110.87. The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $410,981.84.

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 95 vehicles in May 2018, up 144 percent from 39 vehicles for April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, 242 vehicles were imported.

Germany sent 237 vehicles during the first five months of 2018.

The average price of the vehicles for May 2018 was $47,677.09, up 16 percent from the average price for April 2018 of $40,958.33. The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $50,372.85.

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 May 2018, compared to one vehicle in April 2018, the only one recorded year-to-date, at a price of $65,100.

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 five 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 five 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 April or May 2018. During the first five 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 one vehicle during May 2018, at a price of $553,800, compared to no vehicles for April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, seven vehicles were imported.

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

The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $239,170.

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

The United States imported 4 vehicles in this category during May 2018, down 69 percent from 13 vehicles for April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, 26 vehicles were imported, all from China.

The average price for May 2018 was $10,220, up 19 percent from $8,554 for April 2018. The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $8,117.35.

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

The United States imported 80 vehicles during May 2018, the same as for April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, 444 vehicles were imported.

Canada sent 420 vehicles to the United States during the first five months of 2018.

The average price per vehicle for May 2018 was $69,947.45, up 5 percent from $66,435.68 for April 2018. The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $74,480.72.

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

The United States imported 127 vehicles during May 2018, down 39 percent from 209 during April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, 727 vehicles were imported.

Canada sent 447 vehicles to the United States during the first five months of 2018, while Germany exported 254 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for May 2018 was $42,812.60, up 3 percent from $41,668.33 for April 2018. The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $45,135.46.

Export totals for May 2018 were up in two categories, compared to April 2018.

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

The United States exported 695 vehicles during May 2018, down 6 percent from 736 vehicles exported in April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, 3,309 vehicles were exported.

Canada received 1,838 vehicles during the first five months of 2018, while Mexico imported 751.

The average price per vehicle for May 2018 was $74,804.65, up 7 percent from the average price for April 2018 of $70,078.69. The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $75,100.52.

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

The United States shipped 99 vehicles in May 2018, up 41 percent from 70 vehicles for April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, 193 vehicles were exported.

Venezuela imported 82 vehicles during the first five months of 2018, while Canada received 66 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for May 2018 was $13,221.09, down 80 percent from the average price for April 2018 of $65,924.90. The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $32,623.12.

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

The United States exported 37 vehicles in May 2018, up 95 percent from 19 vehicles for April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, 96 vehicles were exported.

Mexico received 39 vehicles during the first five months of 2018.

The average price per vehicle for May 2018 was $29,079.54, down 6 percent from the average price for April 2018 of $30,824.84. The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $29,195.21.

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

The United States shipped six vehicles in May 2018, down 50 percent from 12 vehicles for April 2018. During the first five months of 2018, 30 vehicles were exported.

Germany received seven vehicles during the first five months of 2018, while the Dominican Republic imported six.

The average price of the vehicles for May 2018 was $248,827.83, up 85 percent from the average price for April 2018 of $134,766.25. The average price for the first five months of 2018 was $130,030.70.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

DATTCO Celebrates Mark Sullivan’s 40th Anniversary, More Than 3.5 Million Miles Driven Accident Free

On June 29, 2018, DATTCO celebrated the 40th anniversary of one of its motorcoach operators, Mark Sullivan. During an informal ceremony, Sullivan, and his colleagues, took turns sharing memories of the past four decades.

According to DATTCO, “Sullivan has driven more than 3.5 million miles during his career. His professionalism and customer service have made him one of the most requested drivers by DATTCO’s clientele. He’s driven famous dignitaries, government officials, professional and collegiate athletes, and tour groups throughout North America.

“His favorite trip was the first time he drove a group to British Columbia, Canada, in 1982. He spent 30 days touring the Canadian Rockies. He returned to this area several times with other groups, but said he will never forget his first experience in that part of the world.”

According to a press release, “In 2016, he was presented with the Connecticut Bus Association’s Motorcoach Driver of the Year Award. To be chosen for that award, a driver must demonstrate safe driving with the highest standards in every facet of the profession. Sullivan still has an accident-free driving record.”

Sullivan’s safety record has given him the opportunity to work with DATTCO’s Safety & Training Program, where he assists with training and mentoring new drivers, as well as providing remedial training for seasoned drivers.

DATTCO President Don DeVivo presented him with a certificate acknowledging and thanking him for his 40 years of service.

“We are fortunate that Mark is willing to share his knowledge of the motorcoach profession, and his experience on the road with our less experienced drivers,” said DeVivo, who has worked with Sullivan his entire career at the company. “He represents DATTCO at the highest of industry standards, and always puts the interests of the company first. I am proud to have him as part of our team.”

Established in 1924, DATTCO, Inc., is a third-generation family-owned business headquartered in New Britain, CT. The company offers vehicle service, including fleet, collision, and trailer repair services. Its motorcoach division specializes in providing personal and group travel services, and operates several routes for the discounted intercity bus service, Megabus. For more information, visit DATTCO.com.

NEWS FROM COMPLETE COACH WORKS

Kallie Arevalo Named Marketing Manager For CCW

Kallie Arevalo has joined Complete Coach Works (CCW) as marketing manager. She has a master’s degree from the University of Redlands, and brings experience to CCW in the marketing field.

Arevalo, a mother of two young children, said, “I’m a results-driven person, so it has been my dream to be part of an organization that truly shares that philosophy. It is my complete honor to have the opportunity to work with this amazing group of like-minded individuals. The environment has been extremely friendly and welcoming. I am blessed to become part of the CCW family.”

Paula Rudd, who has been with the company for over 20 years, said, “I look forward to working with Kallie. Her intelligence and creativity will bring fresh ideas to our marketing projects.”

Complete Coach Works (CCW) is a U.S. bus remanufacturing and rehabilitation company offering transportation solutions, and over 30 years of service to the transportation industry.

CCW Completes Electric Retrofit Project For Weber State University

Complete Coach Works (CCW) has completed an electric retrofit project awarded by Weber State University (WSU), in Ogden, UT.

“The project converts the diesel fuel bus into an all-electric Zero-Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS) bus. The project included the removal of WSU’s diesel engine power package components, and the addition of electric components such as an electric air compressor, power steering pump, and HVAC system,” according to a press release.

“With the university covering more than 500 acres, the effective management of resources is a top priority. WSU, which converted the lighting in one of its arenas to LED in 2013, can now add the conversion from diesel to a ZEPS bus to its environmentally-beneficial accomplishments.”

Brad Carson, director of sales at CCW, said, “We are very grateful to be part of an historic time for Weber. We hope this conversion will allow the university to further expand its educational programs. CCW is honored to be a part of WSU’s goal of greater energy efficiency. The ZEPS bus will improve vehicle reliability and significantly reduce fuel costs. These savings will enable the university to allocate more of its budget to the growth and expansion of its campus.”

CCW has an experienced team of over 350.

For more information on CCW, visit www.completecoach.com.

DC Trails Announces Acquisition Of BestBus

DC Trails, Inc., one of the Washington, D.C., region’s largest locally-owned motorcoach companies, has acquired BestBus in Washington, D.C.

“DC Trails is committed to continuing the excellent service BestBus offers,” said DC Trails owners William and Liliana Torres. “We will continue the brand’s daily runs between stops in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and New York City, and offer affordable, safe, clean, convenient and fully maintained newer coaches.”

According to a press release, “From its inception as DC2NY in 2007, and its rebranding to BestBus a few years later, this on-line reservation company has used various transportation companies to provide the equipment for its line runs. This is the first time BestBus customers will be boarding motorcoaches owned and operated by the same company. The buses are fully equipped with Wi-Fi, AC outlets at each seat, cup holders, adjustable foot rests and other amenities. The company will continue the guaranteed reservation system and bottled water for each customer.”

Currently, DC Trails operates Hop-On Hop-Off open-top sightseeing buses in Washington, D.C., as well as evening monument tours. Most of the company’s business is focused on group tours and charters.

According to William Torres, adding BestBus services to its operations was a logical business decision to continue growth within the DMV region.

DC Trails is also in the process of taking delivery of 15, 2018 Van Hool motorcoaches.

MCI To Deliver 11 More Commuter Coaches To Connecticut Department Of Transportation

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), the U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., (NFI), announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has exercised its second year option of a five-year contract, with a purchase order for 11 more MCI Commuter Coaches.

The original 2017 five-year agreement covers up to 112 MCI 45-foot, clean diesel-powered Commuter Coaches. Nineteen Commuter Coaches were delivered last year.

The new ADA-compliant, Wi-Fi ready Commuter Coaches continue to replace older models, and are set to be delivered in the first quarter of 2019 to a private operator that provides commuter express services to CTtransit, Connecticut’s state-owned bus service.

“The new coaches are decaled with CTtransit branding, and offer the latest communications technology. The coaches come with standard forward-facing 57-seat configuration. Optional additions include a bike rack, slim profile seating and a security camera system,” according to a press release.

“The CTfastrak system offers a one-seat, no-transfer ride to many major regional employment, education, shopping and healthcare destinations.”

For more on the Connecticut Department of Transportation, go to www.ct.gov/dot.

For more information on MCI, visit www.mcicoach.com.

CO’s Ramblin Express Takes Delivery Of Two 2018 Van Hool CX35s

Ramblin Express, a charter coach operator in Denver, CO, has taken delivery of two, 2018 Van Hool CX35 motorcoaches. Its fleet of 50 buses includes options from a 22-passenger mini-bus to 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches.

Van Hool said, “The CX35 offers all the comforts of a full-size motorcoach while catering to a smaller passenger count of 38.”

The two new coaches bring Ramblin’s fleet to a total of eight Van Hools.

All Van Hool coaches purchased to date, have been equipped with wheelchair lifts, adding to Ramblin’s handicap accessible options. Other new CX35 coaches offer touch driver display, video box with security cameras, satellite XM radio, Wi-Fi and tire chains.

Todd Holland, and his wife Kellie, founded Ramblin Express in 1993, because of the need for a casino run operator to accomodate casino customers and employees.

Today, Ramblin runs a casino shuttle program, and charter business. Its casino shuttle business services passengers from the Colorado cites of Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Woodland Park to Cripple Creek, as well as from Aurora and Lakewood to the casinos in Black Hawk and Central City. The company has served over 4 million passengers, and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Todd Holland is the Membership Committee chair for the International Motorcoach Group (IMG), and he served on the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) board of directors from 2001 to 2007. Ramblin Express was named the IMG Operator of the Year in 2009. Holland was also the founding chairman of the Motorcoach Council.

Ramblin Express started working with ABC as a parts customer.

Holland said, “While we have a long-standing relationship with ABC on the used equipment and parts side, it was not until 2014 that we started purchasing new Van Hool CXs. These coaches have been a great addition to our fleet, and have been well-received by our clients, drivers and maintenance technicians."

ABC Companies provides new and pre-owned full-size highway coach equipment, transit and specialty vehicles. For more information, contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2875 or visit www.abc-companies.com.

For more information about Ramblin Expresss, visit www.Ramblin.com.

ABA And MCI To Present New Motorcoach Driver Of The Year Award

“The American Bus Association (ABA) has partnered with Motor Coach Industries (MCI) to create a new program for motorcoach drivers to recognize an individual who has gone above and beyond the performance of his or her duties as an over-the-road motorcoach driver, professionally executing safe motorcoach operation, while providing the traveling public with the safest form of passenger transportation in the United States. This award will be presented during ABA’s 2019 Annual Meeting & Marketplace in Louisville, KY,” according to a press release.

ABA President/CEO Peter Pantuso said, “Motorcoach drivers are the face and backbone of our industry. They deliver millions of passengers safely each year to their destinations providing the utmost in customer service. They are truly the representatives of our member companies. People always remember their drivers, and the experience they had with them on a trip.”

MCI Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning Brent Maitland said driver recognition is long overdue.

“There are many factors critical to creating a great experience for the passenger, starting with the quality, design and maintenance of the vehicle they are riding in. But none is more important than the driver. Their passion for safety, equipment care and overall passenger care keeps our industry rolling.”

The award has five benchmarks on which each nominee will be judged:
• The nominee must be employed as an over-the-road motorcoach driver by an ABA Member (full- or part-time);
• The nominee must have a minimum of 10 years cumulative experience driving an over-the-road motorcoach;
• The nominee must not have any felony convictions;
• The nominee must not have had any driving violations in the past three years, excluding form and manner violations; and,
• The nominee must not have had a chargeable accident for a minimum of 10 years. Non-chargeable incidents or incidental accidents (bumpers, mirrors) do not count against a nominee.

Nominations with supporting documents must be received to the Bus Industry Safety Council by Sept. 30, 2018. Completed nomination forms can be sent to bisc@buses.org.