[IMAGE]Trailways-Stockholders-at-MCI-training-sessionFULL-6.jpg[/IMAGE] The Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Training Center in Louisville, Ky. was one of the sites selected for the very first Trailways Stockholder – Company Training Seminar Aug. 3 and 4. Trailways created the two-day event for its stockholders’ maintenance directors, operations managers, dispatch supervisors and safety directors.

The sessions covered topics essential for successful operations in today’s competitive environment, with seminars on passenger safety, emergency preparedness, motorcoach maintenance, troubleshooting, best marketing practices and reviews of the Trailways tools that help stockholder companies reach their business goals. Mark Szyperski, Trailways vice president, developed the curriculum with John Balog, Trailways safety consultant, and led the sales and marketing sessions with Vicki Bowman, MCI’s marketing manager.

MCI’s technical experts Steve Kiner, Jim Gabor, Gator Pryne and Scott Crawford taught a six-hour session on advanced HVAC and Electrical Systems, featuring hands-on training on MCI models. The safety sessions included drills on passenger evacuation procedures in case of emergencies, with live demonstrations on how passengers should exit window and emergency hatches.

“The seminar is one of the many value-added services we offer our stockholder companies,” said Szyperski. “We had nearly 70 people representing 14 Trailways companies at the seminar, and many told us that they wished the sessions went on for another day. I am very grateful to MCI, Vicki Bowman and Scott Crawford for their help in making the two days a great success. A maintenance director commented to me that he was freed of his fear of electrical systems because of the hands-on training experience.”

During the sessions, Szyperski  also reviewed many of the tools Trailways offers stockholders, explaining how to get the most out of the Voyager GPS, how to market Trailways’ DOD (Department of Defense) certifications, and how to take advantage of Trailways Team benefits. Additionally, Szyperski and Bowman led a show-and-tell session on successful phone sales, and how to capture more tour and charter work.

“When I first received the invitation, I honestly didn’t know what to expect,” said Larry Brincks, motor coach manager for Kobussen Trailways. “I got so much out of it. The joint venture between Trailways and Motor Coach Industries was time well spent. I will definitely attend again, and look forward to future sessions.”

Trailways plans to host additional Stockholder-Company Special Training Seminars. To learn more, contact Mark Szyperski at mark@trailways.com.