Yankee Trails does business a new way

Yankees Trails began with a fleet of two motorcoaches dedicated primarily to service trips between Albany, NY and cities in Vermont. By the late 1980s, the company began offering individual tour packages to destinations along the entire East Coast.

The Caio G3400 is on the road

Caio North America, LLC, headed by Mark Middleton, is based in McDonough, GA, and distributes the 35-foot G3400 and 45-foot G3600 commercial buses, develops the North American market and initiates a parts and service network.

Prison on wheels serves the security minded

While a number of prison systems still rely on the more archaic school bus-style vehicles, and even book inmates onto commercial transport for longer distances, the truly security-minded government agencies favor the safety of coaches designed and built expressly for prisoner transport.

The MCI J4500 celebrates six years as the best selling coach

Peter Pan Bus Lines, Springfield, MA, enjoys a history with Motor Coach Industries (MCI). The company was among the first to take delivery of the MCI ®J4500 with its order of 12 coaches during 2001. Other operators who ordered pre-production models include Eyre Bus Tour and Travel, Glenelg, MD.

BUSRide Road Test: The Volvo 9700

As operators in North America begin to take delivery on Volvo 9700s, Brad Hunter, general manager of Orion Pacific, a family-owned charter tour operation established in 1985 in Orange, CA, agreed to take the coach on the BUSRide Road Test and offer his objective assessment. Orion Pacific operates a mixed fleet of Prevosts and Van Hools.

Luxury is viable

As the economic downturn continues, motorcoach companies of every size are experiencing its impact, doing what they can to weather the conditions. The more pro-active operators are exploring new markets and ways to retain existing customers. Added value is one such strategy.

Three years ago when the economy was beginning to show some promise, Daimler Buses North America, Greensboro, NC, could not have stated luxury any bolder than at the 2006 UMA Expo with its one word campaign. The dominant theme in the marketing and promotion of the Setra S 417, the word luxury leaps off the side of the floor model.

Trailways veterans unravel the mystery of the Super Golden Eagles

I was looking at photos on Trailways Bus Driver Web site and came across the photo of the Super Golden Eagle. The picture was taken in December 2008. Does anyone know where the bus is located or have any info on who owns it?

It was owned and restored by Pete Wilson of Wilson’s Bus Co. in East Templeton, MA. Its mate (only four were built) sits unrestored at the Green Tortoise yard in southern Oregon.

Thermo King ready for change in 2010

As of January 1, 2010, R-22 refrigerant cannot be used in new air conditioning equipment, and according to Thermo King, Minneapolis, MN, the most logical choice is R-407C created specifically to replace R-22.

The Volvo 9700 debuts in North America

At a time when consumers are becoming more aware of motorcoach travel and alternative transportation, such European curb appeal promises to turn heads.