Vandalia Bus Lines takes delivery of Van Hool CX45 at UMA Expo
In addition to the graphics featuring St Louis’ history and sights, the new vehicle is equipped with a 425 HP Cummins ISX 12.0 engine driving through an Allison B500 (Gen5) six-speed automatic transmission.
Aaron Babcock, ABC Account Manager (shown on left) and Vandalia Presdient Dale Streif.
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Aaron Babcock, ABC Account Manager (shown on left) and Vandalia Presdient Dale Streif.
Caseyville, Ill.-based Vandalia Bus Lines took delivery of a new Van Hool CX45 at the United Motorcoach Association 2017 Expo in St. Louis. In addition to the graphics featuring St Louis’ history and sights, the new vehicle is equipped with a 425 HP Cummins ISX 12.0 engine driving through an Allison B500 (Gen5) six-speed automatic transmission.
The 56-passenger luxury coach features Van Hool’s unique rear passenger window, wood grain floor, 110-volt electric plugs, WiFi, and a six-monitor REI luxury entertainment system.
The new coach also features Van Hool safety technology including three-point seatbelts, backup cameras, antilock brakes, Smartwave Tire Pressure Monitoring, Kidde Fire Suppression System, daytime running lights, curbside lighting, and adaptive static aiming lights.
“Technology keeps improving, and we owe it to our passengers to provide the latest and greatest. In addition to the terrific amenities now available, we’re investing in the latest safety technology such as electronic stability control and lane departure warning systems," said Vandalia President Dale Streif. "We transport everyone from Senior Citizens to professional college and high school athletic teams. Their safety and comfort is at the center of the way we operate our company.
Vandalia Bus Lines is now the headquarters of a group of transportation operations in the St. Louis area owned by the Streif’s. Second-generation family members Dale, Dennis, Melissa, Roger and Lori are all involved in managing the growing business. Active in IMG and NTA, they are Founding Members of the Motorcoach Council. Vandalia operates 67 vehicles and every three-axle bus in their fleet is a Van Hool.
Premiums remain elevated. Underwriting scrutiny is intense. And claims costs continue to rise at historic levels. Behind those numbers lies a complex mix of legal, medical, and cultural forces reshaping the commercial landscape.
The company said it has remained the most widely purchased model in the new coach market across the US and Canada, according to historical data from the Motorcoach Builders Survey conducted by the American Bus Association
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The company's flagship H3-45 is also the best-selling 45-foot motorcoach in North America, according to vehicle registration data from S&P Global Mobility (Polk).
METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman spoke with Mueller about the opening event, the company’s progress since launching in late 2022, and the road ahead.
METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to the operation’s President/CEO Scott Parsons at the United Motorcoach Association’s EXPO in Birmingham, Alabama.
