Channels - Page 363 of 365 - BUSRide


Preparing for extreme cold weather operations

On January 16 the ambient temperature in Chicago reached minus 24 F with the associated wind chill in excess of minus 40 F. On that day, the North Pole registered minus 8 F. The temperature was so extreme that no matter how anyone dressed, the average person could only stay outside for about 15 minutes.

Xcelsior gives a spirited ride

Xcelsior is more than a name at New Flyer. The company believes the tag encapsulates its spirit of continuous improvement, seeing this new 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid vehicle as the next step in the customer-centric evolution of transit buses.

IndyGo puts Indianapolis in forward drive

IndyGo is the face of public transit in the communities of Indianapolis, IN. The Public Transportation Corporation serves the metropolitan area with 29 fixed routes, three commuter

Lil’ Easy works for the Big Easy

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In the New Orleans Lower 9th Ward, a ride on one of three 14-seat Lil’ Easy Dodge Sprinters requires a reservation.

In October 2008 the New Orleans Regional Transportation Authority (NORTA) contracted Veolia Transportation to take over operations in the first turn-key, delegated management contract of its kind in the United States. Veolia Transportation immediately committed to a strategic rebalancing of service for the citizens of post-Katrina New Orleans with its unique proprietary EasyBus, an on-demand circulator service.

When the going gets tough…

A down economy presents challenges of every sort. One of the subtler is to nail down the one maxim that keeps everything in perspective. Over the last couple of months I have talked and listened to motorcoach operators and industry leaders who only reconfirmed my belief that when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.

Measure then manage

Along with rising insurance rates bus companies also face growing concerns and exposures from a competitive standpoint. In this environment a growing number of carriers are evaluating their operations carefully in order to make improvements and create a roadmap for long-term success.

Don't move that bus!

It is not very often a motorcoach gets a spot on primetime television. But on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the show just would not be complete without its bus.

Raise the seatbacks; raise the bar

Recently the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) handed down a landmark rule that addresses the ongoing debate of seatbelt use on school buses. Among other changes, the rule requires an increase in the seatback height on both large and small school buses and mandates the installation of three-point seatbelts on smaller buses.

Shorter tours keep operators afloat

Tour operators have weathered a faltering economy with a focus on short trips and the continued draw of several favorite destinations.

What a difference a driver makes

Hiring and retaining highly qualified drivers is among an operator’s greatest challenges. With increased ridership and greater focus on public transportation, the pressure to find safe and responsible drivers becomes more crucial as bus operations experience further expansion, but it is not necessarily risky business.