MOTORCOACH

Accessibility | Bus | Rail | Sustainability | University

The Motorcoach Transit Channel provides information on the latest motorcoach news, with research, reports and industry links. With all the technological and equipment innovations being developed, examine which ones make sense to implement in your motorcoach operation to enhance cost savings, optimize operational efficiencies and improve customer satisfaction. Keep informed of the latest safety and emissions regulations, government legislation and funding issues impacting the motorcoach industry.

May 21, 2013

NTSB defends study preceding Chinatown bus shutdowns

An advocacy group cited anomalies in how the board classified motorcoach operators and calculated...

Read Full Article »

May 20, 2013

FMCSA orders Ill. to cease operations

The owner of Illini Tours, Robert L. Frazier, is also the owner of Lex Express Inc./Lincolnland...

Read Full Article »

May 16, 2013

MCI delivers to Ill., Pa., Texas

Chicago’s Pace Suburban Bus ordered 13 Commuter Coaches, with an option for 37 more. Meanwhile,...

Read Full Article »

May 16, 2013

FMCSA orders Mexican bus co. to cease U.S. operations

Safety investigators found that Autobuses Zacatecanos failed to ensure that its vehicles were systematically...

Read Full Article »

How to Grow Your Senior Customer Base

Baby boomers are more independent and tech-savvy than their predecessors and want more meaningful experiences when they travel. Operators are using more technology to reach them and offering flexibility with customizable tours.

5 Questions: MCI's Patrick Scully

Began his career in the bus business when he joined Ontario Bus Industries, later acquired by Daimler Buses, as a sales representative in its service parts department. Was recently named as MCI's new executive VP, sales and marketing.

Transit Seating Employs Economical Advances

Looking forward toward increased sustainability, manufacturers are focusing on preserving the lifespan of vehicle seats while reducing weight and adding features to increase flexibility and safety.

Tips for Tracking Motorcoach Quote-to-Close Ratios

Operators share practices crucial to boosting sales, including the use of data management software, engaging the customer and providing quick responses.

PRODUCTS

Digital media center

REI’s Digital Media Center is the centerpiece of any motorcoach audio/video entertainment system, offering easy access to thousands of movies, songs and photos. The system includes a 500GB mobile hard drive and a touchscreen LCD control panel. Features include two independent video displays; touch screen and passenger video output; user-friendly software designed for passenger use; safety video priority playback with reporting and password protection from unauthorized use.

Visit Company's Website

Three-point Belt Seat

Premier, a 3-point belted seat, features Safe Guard SmartFrame technology that protects both belted and unbelted passengers, providing improved safety for the entire family, from large adults to small infants. Premier is the only motorcoach seat combining lap-shoulder belts with full compartmentalization. The seat is comprised of two structures: the inner structure provides lap-shoulder belts and absorbs crash energy for belted passengers, while the outer seatback structure remains vertical to cushion anyone behind the seat who is not belted, providing full compartmentalization protection in frontal crashes.

Visit Company's Website

DEPARTMENTS

Improving public perception of motorcoach industry is key

All of these changes, designed to improve the public’s perception of the industry, can only be good for operators around the country who provide top-notch services to millions of passengers each year.

Association shapes new ‘party bus’ law

If there will be alcohol served on motorcoaches or party buses as well as riders under the legal drinking age, a designee over the age of 25 from the group of passengers must be appointed who will be responsible for any “reasonably forseeable” injuries or property damage.

Bus safety app makes data more accessible

SaferBus provides access to safety records on approximately 6,000 interstate commercial passenger carriers operating in the U.S., which includes privately operated motorcoach, school bus and tour bus companies.

Mich. operator adds 'hearing loop' tech

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Owosso, Mich., motorcoach operator Indian Trails Inc. partnered to install “hearing loop” technology on a fleet of 17 motorcoaches, operating 34 scheduled routes that serve passengers throughout Michigan.