The MCI-sponsored Green Highway Award was presented to Lamers Bus Lines Inc., of Green Bay, Wis., during UMA EXPO’s Vision Awards dinner in Orlando, Fla.

Lamers was recognized for its measures to improve drivers’ fuel conservation efforts and its green maintenance and facilities policies.

In addition to teaching safety, Lamers’ driver training addresses behaviors that conserve fuel, such as careful braking and acceleration. Strict maintenance practices also ensure coaches operate at peak fuel efficiency.

Meanwhile, the MCI-sponsored American Bus Association (ABA) Green Operator Award was given to two companies. Anderson Coach and Travel of Greenville, Pa., won as a large operator; Northeast Charter and Tours of Lewiston, Maine, won as a smaller operator that includes a hybrid shuttle bus in its fleet.

Chosen for the awards by industry peers, the companies lead with programs that improve coach fuel efficiency by limiting idling and encouraging good driving practices. The awards were presented during ABA Marketplace in Charlotte, N.C.

The Green Highway and Green Operator awards both have the support of the University of Vermont’s Certification for Sustainable Transportation program, led by David Kestenbaum, director, who is behind eRating, a certification program that recognizes sustainable forms of transportation.