UPDATE
Participants in the MCI Academy Motorcoach Operator
program complete their certificate training in this order:
Level 3: drivers receive basic instruction covering FMCSA
theory training, safe driving habits, passenger safety, hours
of service rules, and several of insurance leader Lancer
presentations.
Level 2: improves driver skills, covering turns, highway and city
driving hazards along with EDL use and roadside enforcement.
Level 1: teaches drivers how braking and safety systems
work such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
including Collision Avoidance and Fire Suppression and Tire
Pressure Monitoring Systems and covers weather-related and fuel
economy driving behaviors.
Master Level coursework covers driver knowledge on major
coach systems from engines to HVAC, trouble-shooting skills, and
communication with service shop personnel.
“The course structure includes something for every driver,”
Crawford said. “It’s a manageable program for every level,
building on and enhancing other industry sponsored driver
training programs. We invite the industry to take advantage of
the knowledge levels our program offers. Operators will benefit
from drivers who are well-trained, engaged and proud to work in
a profession that contributes to the well-being of transportation
businesses, passengers and road safety.”
The program also helps tour, charter, employer shuttle
programs and limousine operators recruit and develop driver
talent from outside the motor coach industry for well-paying
jobs with a future, advises Crawford, noting LMS training
account records are never deleted and are available to
employers throughout a driver’s career. To learn more about
the MCI Academy Motorcoach Operator program, email Scott.
Crawford@mcicoach.com.
ABA Foundation 4th-quarter
motorcoach sales report shows
smaller buses in demand
The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) recently
released the fourth quarter/full year 2019 Motorcoach Builder Survey.
Based on surveys of the major motorcoach manufacturers that sell
vehicles in the United States and Canada, motorcoach sales from the
participating manufacturers saw a modest 0.1 percent increase over
the same quarter in 2018. In the fourth quarter of 2019 1,022 units
were sold versus 1,021 in 2018 (671 units were new coaches in 2019
versus 677 new coaches in 2018). The largest group of sales was the
30- to 40-foot coaches which saw a 60 percent increase over the
same period (64 versus 40).
Pre-owned sales over the same period grew by 2 percent with 351
units sold in 2019 versus 344 units in 2018.
“As we have been predicting for a few years now, smaller more
intimate trips are what travelers want and that is highlighted in the
growth in the 30- to 40-foot coach market,” said Peter Pantuso,
president of the ABA Foundation. “Year over year in total sales this
coach size has grown by more than 50 percent. Passengers are
looking to take more personalized trips with their families and friends.”
In year over year sales from 2018 to 2019, in addition to the growth
of the 30- to under 40-foot size market for 2019 (184 new units sold),
the 45-foot size market, manufacturers sold 1,930 new units; and in
10 | BUSRIDE.COM | MAY / JUNE 2020
the 40- to under 45-foot size, 29 new units were sold. The pre-owned
market saw nearly 6 percent growth over 2018 with 1,059 units sold in
2019, to total of 3,202 units.
“As more people see the value and convenience of traveling by
motorcoach, these sales will continue to be healthy in the years to
come,” Pantuso said. “The motorcoach group tour and travel sector
is seeing a renaissance as more people want to travel with less hassle
and in a more environmentally friendly manner and we provide both.”
Data were collected by John Dunham & Associates for the
American Bus Association Foundation. John Dunham & Associates is
a leading New York City-based economic consulting firm specializing
in the economics of fast-moving issues. Data – which reflect updated
results from prior reports – were collected by John Dunham &
Associates for the American Bus Association Foundation. Changes in
data definitions and reporting occurred over the past quarter and are
reflected in these figures.
DOT announces $20.3
million in grants to improve
transportation access
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) recently announced about $20.3 million in
grant selections through the Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI)
program. IMI supports projects that use innovative technologies
and processes to improve access to public transportation,
increase public transportation efficiency, and enhance the overall
rider experience. Twenty-five projects in 23 states will receive
funding under the program.
“These $20.3 million in federal grants will help communities
nationwide enhance their transportation systems to make it
easier for people to use transit, especially older adults and
people with disabilities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary
Elaine L. Chao.
The projects will advance mobility through creative
partnerships and emerging technologies. Combining public and
private transportation assets and strategies can greatly increase
access to mobility for everyone.
“Innovation is integral to the future of transit,” said FTA Acting
Administrator K. Jane Williams. “The IMI program is part of our
increased emphasis on innovation that accelerates mobility to
provide seamless travel for riders.”
IMI advances FTA’s vision of mobility for all by promoting
equitable, accessible, and safe transportation for all Americans.
Examples of selected IMI projects include:
The Central Ohio Transit Authority will receive $1.7 million to
develop a platform that combines traffic and transit management
data and uses artificial intelligence to improve safety and
efficiency, develop new channels of communication, and improve
the rider experience across the region.
Arlington, Texas will receive $1.7 million to integrate
autonomous vehicles into its on-demand car-sharing service,
which will include a wheelchair accessible vehicle and
accommodate University of Texas-Arlington students.
The Baldwin County (Alabama) Commission will receive
approximately $261,000 to replace its outdated 24-hour-advance
request transportation system with an on-demand rural transit
network tailored to increase access to jobs, schools, and health
care appointments. Riders will benefit from integrated trip