MAINTENANCE UPDATE
local labor force, he anticipates exponential growth in equipment,
parts sales, and service contracts as a result of the expansion.
eNow is a private company, founded in Rhode Island in 2011. It
was the first company of its kind to develop mobile solar systems
for commercial transportation. It currently sells its products
throughout North America. The company’s mission is to provide
industry-specific solar solutions to companies that embrace
people, planet and profitability.
ABC’s newly redesigned facility sits on five acres and offers customers full equipment sales, service
and body shop services.
The facility features eight service bays, two paint booths, portable lifts, full dump and wash area,
and onsite equipment and parts inventory. ABC Companies facility expansion adds more service,
parts and equipment sales expertise to Northeast Region
ABC Companies facility expansion adds
more service, parts and equipment
sales expertise to Northeast Region
A major renovation and expansion at ABC Companies Jersey City,
New Jersey, facility is attracting customers throughout the Northeast
Corridor. Featuring eight service bays, two paint booths, portable
lifts, full dump and wash area, and onsite equipment and parts
inventory, the newly redesigned facility sits on five acres and offers
customers full equipment sales, service and body shop services.
Additionally, a new 20,000 square-foot parts warehouse with parts
sales counter offers OEM and aftermarket options for Van Hool and
other popular makes and models. Backed by ABC Parts Source,
over 200,000 individual parts are available for transit and coach
needs. An inventory of new Van Hool coaches including the restyled
2020 Van Hool CX45 and CX35, as well as an expansive inventory of
popular preowned motorcoach makes and models will be available
on site for inspection, test drives and sale, including new ABC
Express Van Hool models for fast customer delivery.
ABC recognized the need to expand this strategic location based
on market demand and fast-tracked the build-out which included
numerous site upgrades and facility modernization of the centrally
located operation.
“We are excited to expand our service offering in a key market
area,” said Mike Laffan, senior vice president/Eastern Region at ABC
Companies. “Our facility expansion doubles the size of operations
in this region and can support virtually any service, parts and sales
requests customers need to keep their fleets performing at peak
levels. We welcome all operators to find out how we can support
their fleet requirements at this location.”
The company is planning a “re-opening” celebration during Q2 of
2020 according to Laffan. In addition to creating new jobs within the
4 | BUSRIDE.COM | MAY / JUNE 2020
EPA announces $44 million in funding to
reduce emissions from diesel engines
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing
the availability of grant funding to implement projects aimed at
reducing emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel
engines. EPA anticipates awarding approximately $44 million
in Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) grant funding to
eligible applicants.
“Modernizing our nation’s aging fleet of diesel-powered vehicles
is an important part of the Trump Administration’s plan to further
reduce harmful emissions and guide counties and States from
nonattainment, into attainment,” said EPA Administrator Andrew
Wheeler. “Our hope is that through these upgrades and ongoing
efforts, communities will continue to see improved health outcomes
for their residents, ensuring all Americans breathe cleaner air.”
Diesel-powered engines move approximately 90 percent of the
nation’s freight tonnage, and today nearly all highway freight trucks,
locomotives, and commercial marine vessels are powered by
diesel engines.
EPA is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that
significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposure, especially
from fleets operating at goods movements facilities in areas
designated as having poor air quality. Applicants may request
funding to upgrade or replace diesel-powered buses, trucks, marine
engines, locomotives and nonroad equipment with newer, cleaner
technologies. Priority for funding will also be given to projects
that engage and benefit local communities and applicants that
demonstrate their ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce
emissions after the project has ended.
EPA anticipates releasing a separate Tribal DERA grant funding
opportunity in early 2020.
Since the first year of the DERA program in 2008, EPA has
competitively awarded over 790 grants and 420 rebates across
the country. Many of these projects funded cleaner diesel engines
that operate in economically disadvantaged communities whose
residents suffer from higher-than-average instances of asthma, heart
and lung disease.
Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal
agencies, or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation
or air quality. Nonprofit organizations may apply if they provide
pollution reduction or educational services to diesel fleet
owners or have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of
transportation or air quality.
Under this competition, EPA anticipates awarding between 40
and 60 assistance agreements. Applicants must request funding
from the EPA regional office which covers the geographic project
location. The maximum amount of federal funding that may be
requested per application varies by EPA Region.
• Region 1 (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Vermont) will accept proposals requesting up to
$1,000,000 in grant funds.