Trailways Traveler - November 2024 Edition | |
Welcome New Charter Referral Partner!
Metro Livery offers a network of established partnerships and access to more 550 Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation service operators for the ultimate ground transportation within the United States and throughout the world. Metro Livery selects its network with like-minded professional services, with a commitment to safe and reliable transportation, and a long track record of excellence. To find out more, contact Metro Livery for Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation peace of mind.
Contact: Muhammad Hassan 615-365-3434 or mhassan@metrolivery.com.
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Trailways Executive Board Members at ABA Meeting
Trailways Executive Board Members Gene Berardi (Adirondack Trailways), Scott Henry (Martz Trailways), Ron Moore (Burlington Trailways), and Suzanne Thornburg (Capital and Colonial Trailways) attended the American Bus Association Board of Directors meeting in Hershey, PA, that ended with a visit at the Museum of Bus Transportation.
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They were joined by family and friends such as Alex Berardi, Gay Berardi, Nicole Fritz, Matt Moore, and Jennifer Stanley! Also, the Board also gathered for a meeting in Huntsville, AL on October 29th. | |
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Burlington Trailways Expands Fleet with Four New Motorcoaches, Including 5311(f) Funded Bus
Burlington Trailways, a prominent Midwest transportation provider, has strengthened its fleet by adding four new motorcoaches. This expansion reaffirms the company’s commitment to offering passengers safe, reliable, and comfortable services. The fleet additions include a state-of-the-art MCI D4520 motorcoach and three luxury Prevost H3 models, all supporting different aspects of the company’s diverse operations. Read more...
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Leading with Vision: Suzanne Thornburg’s Impact on Bus Transportation
Suzanne Thornburg, President and CEO of Alabama-based Capital Motor Lines, DBA Capital Trailways, and Colonial Trailways, has been named Busline Magazine's inaugural "Women to Recognize in Busing" award winner. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to the motorcoach industry and her dedication to fostering opportunities for women in the field. Congratulations Suzanne! Read more...
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David Thomas Trailways Transports
PA Task Force One
David Thomas Trailways transported PA Task Force One to North Carolina and was with them as they performed their search and rescue mission for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Pennsylvania Task Force 1 members were stationed in North Carolina conducting search and rescue missions and helping those dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
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Dean Trailways - Official Spartan Transportation Provider!
Dean Trailways is proud to be the Official Ground Transportation Provider of Spartan Athletics! See their post.
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Busbud Partners with Walmart+
As the busiest travel season of the year approaches, motorcoach operators in the U.S. could see a boost in passengers, thanks to a new partnership between Busbud and Walmart+.
The collaboration offers Walmart+ members a $10 cash-back incentive for booking intercity bus travel through Busbud, a move that could fill more seats for bus operators nationwide. Read more...
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Interview with Daimler Buses' CEO Till Oberwörder
Further expanding market leadership, becoming even more competitive, gaining a position of strength. These are the goals of Daimler Buses, well mapped out in the brand's roadmap to zero emissions in all mission profiles. Read the interview.
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Irizar's CEO Imanol Rego Talks Hydrogen vs Electric
"We don’t believe in hydrogen in urban transportation, in the same way as we don’t believe in an electric coach with 5-ton batteries. BEV urban buses are efficient, and current technology provides no limitations in fulfilling the required urban range. Using hydrogen technology means introducing a technology complexity at the depot level, meanwhile it is not generating even a Opex reduction, says Irizar's CEO Imanol Rego. Read more...
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Thousands Gather for Prevost’s 100th-Anniversary Celebration in Quebec
Over 6,000 employees, customers, suppliers, and dignitaries gathered in Sainte-Claire, Québec, to celebrate Prevost’s 100th anniversary.
The celebration culminated a nine-month series of events across North America honoring the company’s century-long journey. From factory tours to a concert that had workers and customers dancing, the event showcased the deep connections Prevost has forged with its community, clients, and partners. Read more...
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Saucon Technologies Partners to Simplify Data Flow
Saucon Technologies has partnered with TBN and Initek Consulting to develop a new API connection that streamlines data integration between electronic logging devices (ELD) and operations software in the charter bus industry.
The integration aims to simplify data flow for Saucon users by linking ELD compliance data with key tools such as payroll, billing, and compliance systems. In addition to transmitting vehicle location, users can now access driver logs, mileage data, and state-based mileage information required for IFTA reporting. Read more...
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Trailways Board - Open Seat Nominations!
We are excited to announce that we are now accepting nominations for our board of directors from our stockholders. This is a wonderful opportunity for our stockholders to actively participate in the governance of our organization and to help shape the direction of our future. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences are essential for effective leadership, and we encourage all stockholders to consider who might be a great fit for our board.
If you know someone who is passionate about our mission and has the skills to contribute meaningfully, we invite you to submit their name along with a brief biography to our nominating committee chair, Amy Brooks.
Your involvement is crucial in ensuring our organization continues to thrive and fulfill its vision. Thank you for your engagement and support! Contact Sabina if you have any questions.
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Trailways 2025 Annual Conference
We hope you will join us for the Trailways 2025 Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, OK Tuesday, February 18 – Thursday, February 20.
This year's conference will be held at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel and we are excited to be co-locating with UMA a few days before their EXPO.
Register by clicking a button or visit our website to view the tentative schedule and the registration, sponsorship and hotel information.
Due to our co-location setup with UMA, Trailways participants will use the UMA EXPO housing link, as there is not a separate link for Trailways.
Reminder to Partners: Renewal dues for 2025 Membership are handled as part of the Annual Conference registration.
Stand-Out With a Sponsorship!
Trailways couldn't hold this conference without the support of our generous sponsors. There are a handful of sponsorships still available! If interested in securing a sponsorship, click the button! View sponsor benefits here.
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UMA Host Hotel
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel
100 W. Oklahoma City Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
$239++/night
Phone Number:
214-350-3236
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Keynote Speaker: Rick Burris!
In case you missed our special announcement, we are welcoming Rick Burris to our Conference. Learn how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the business landscape. Rick will share practical insights on how you can leverage AI to optimize your operations, improve decision-making, and increase business efficiency. Learn how to integrate AI without needing deep technical expertise and explore its potential for transforming everyday tasks.
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Conference Theme:
"The Great American Road Trip"
We seek to capture the spirit of the open road, nostalgia, and Americana. Trailways has a long history of providing the freedom of the open road traveling!
Speaking of Great American Road Trips, Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in the country. Route 66 comes right through Oklahoma City, the host city of our 2025 Conference. In fact, Oklahoma is the home to the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the country, which includes museums, historic signs, and other points of interest.
We will follow this theme through our costume party! Get creative and have some fun with it!
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Trailways Awards
As in year's past, the Trailways Awards programs will be presented at the 2025 Conference. Learn more about each program below and submit your nominations!
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Spirit Award
This award recognizes employees that demonstrate outstanding Enthusiasm and Positivity, fosters a sense of Teamwork and Community and goes the extra mile in helping others. Above and Beyond! The Spirit Award is sponsored by TEMSA!
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Submission Deadline:
November 15, 2024
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Spirit Award recipients will be recognized and honored during Trailways’ Spirit Award Luncheon on February 19th. | |
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Safety Awards
We invite you to participate in the Annual Safety Awards program. This year, we are requesting the miles for the following; the last quarter of 2023 and the first three quarters of 2024.
There are various Safety Division Awards based on bus fleets of different sizes compared to the total miles traveled per each participating Trailways Member for a specific category. Therefore, every company participating in the Annual Safety Awards Program has an equal opportunity to be selected as an Award Recipient.
The Trailways Corporate Office is responsible for calculating the overall (total) miles/accidents which have been provided within each company submission.
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Use the simple, one-page forms to submit your company’s quarterly performance reports. | |
Submission Deadline:
November 15th, 2024
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Safety Awards recipients will be recognized and honored during Trailways’ Safety Award Luncheon, sponsored by MCI on February 20th. | |
Bob Crescenzo Driver of the Year Awards | |
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Thank your drivers for their extraordinary, go the extra mile, service, and ongoing support of your company’s success. We invite you to submit their name(s), where selected recipients will be recognized and honored on February 20th.
We are confident that every Trailways Company employs, within their team, Outstanding Drivers; those who are steadfast, considerate, courteous, highly-trained; moreover, those very special individuals who seem to go the extra mile to ensure that your Company’s passengers (groups or individuals) enjoy safe and pleasurable travel aboard your coaches. View the eligibility overview then submit your nominations by clicking the buttons!
These individuals are on the front-line for your company, constantly serving your customers…daily, weekly; throughout the year.
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Submission Deadline:
December 2, 2024
| Driver Awardee(s) selected by the Trailways and Sponsor Lancer Insurance must be present (in-person), to be recognized publicly and receive this distinguished award. | |
Trailways Corporate will provide one (1) Free Hotel Room Night for any Outstanding Driver(s) selected for this year’s Outstanding Driver of the Year (Group Charter or Scheduled Route Division). | |
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Biden-Harris Administration Awards Millions to Improve State Commercial Driver’s License Programs
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced more than $140 million in grants to states and educational institutions through the agency’s High Priority (HP) and Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) grants. Funding through these grant programs will help advance states’ technological capabilities and improve the national commercial driver’s license (CDL) program. Read more...
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U.S. House Votes to Repeal Biden Auto Emissions Rule
The U.S. House voted, 215-191, on Friday to roll back an Environmental Protection Agency rule strengthening standards for air pollution from car and truck tailpipes. Read more...
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DOE Announces $18.6 Million for Projects to Advance Clean Transportation Across America
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $18.6 million for 15 projects that will drive innovation in equitable clean transportation and provide first responders with the tools they need to properly respond to calls involving zero emission vehicles. The funding will expand DOE’S Clean Cities and Communities work to make clean transportation options more available, accessible, and affordable nationwide. Read more...
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DOT Awards $4.2B to Major Transportation Projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently issued $4.2 billion to 44 major transportation projects across the country through two discretionary grant programs: the National Infrastructure Project Assistance or "Mega" grant program and the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America or "INFRA" grant program. Read more...
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DOT Publishes Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Electronic Signatures, Forms and Storage for Drug and Alcohol Testing Records
The Department of Transportation (DOT) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register proposing to amend its regulations for conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing for the federally regulated transportation industry to allow, but not require, electronic signatures on documents required to be created and utilized under the regulations, the use of electronic versions of forms, and the electronic storage of forms and data. Read more...
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DOT Driving IT Modernization to Meet Enterprise, Local Needs
The Transportation Department’s recipe for RICE all starts with the same basic ingredients. RICE, which stands for registration, inspections, compliance and enforcement, is a technology platform that nearly every office and modal needs. Read more...
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FMCSA Extends Regional Emergency
The regional emergency issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has been extended. Emergency conditions creating a need for immediate transportation related to essential supplies and services still exist in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, according to the FMCSA extension. Read more...
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November 18th - Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Takes Next Step
Effective November 18, 2024, SDLAs will be required to query the Clearinghouse before issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner's permit (CLP). Drivers with a "prohibited" status in the Clearinghouse will have their CDL/CLP revoked or denied. Read more...
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Final Rule for Anti-Ejection Glazing for Bus Portals Released
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the long anticipated final rule establishing a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 217a, “Anti-ejection glazing for bus portals.” View the final rule here.
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FMCSA May Not Have the Resources to Properly Enforce Safety Standards, Senator Writes
The Senator for Colorado is concerned about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s ability to properly regulate the trucking industry with its current resources. Read more...
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Annual Safety Blitz Sees Nearly 87% of Commercial Vehicles Pass Inspection
With another Brake Safety Week in the books, roughly 87% of all commercial motor vehicles pulled over during this year’s event passed their inspections with no brake-related critical violations. This year’s event was held Aug. 25-31. During the weeklong safety blitz, a total of 16,725 commercial motor vehicle inspections were conducted across North America. From those inspections, a total of 2,149 (12.8%) commercial vehicles were placed out of service due to brake-related violations. Read more...
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Gov. Hochul Signs Bill Requiring Seat Belt Use on Charter Buses
New safety measures include mandatory seat belts for children on charter buses and harsher penalties for passing school buses. Read more...
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Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement OK’d by City Planners
The Port Authority bus terminal in Midtown finally got the greenlight for a $10 billion long overdue’ makeover transformation but it could take a decade to see major changes. Read more...
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MetLife Stadium to Double as Emergency Shelter During Disasters
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford — home of the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets and one of the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — will also double as a disaster shelter during emergencies, federal and stadium officials. Read more...
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I-40 Between TN/NC Could Be Closed for a Year
One of the primary routes between eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina could be closed for the next year, all as result of the considerable storm damage from Hurricane Helene and the flooding from the storm. Read more...
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Zero-Emission Bus Transition: Lessons From the Front Lines
For transit agencies transitioning to battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell buses, there are many pitfalls along the road and many lessons to be learned. Read more...
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Helene and Milton Are Both Likely to Be $50 Billion Disasters, Joining Ranks of Most Costly Storms
Roads, bridges, electrical grids and water systems need to be rebuilt following the deadly storm. Read more...
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American Bus Association Announces Planned Headquarters Relocation to Capitol Hill
The American Bus Association (ABA) will relocate its headquarters to a new, centrally located space on Washington D.C.'s Capitol Hill, just steps away from the U.S. House of Representatives and the United States Department of Transportation. The move, scheduled for April 1, is part of ABA's ongoing efforts to right-size its workspace, optimize operational efficiency, and refocus resources on creating value for its membership. Read more...
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Please share your latest news about new programs, leadership changes, anniversaries and equipment purchases with us at memberservices@trailways.com and we'll include it in an upcoming issue of Trailways Traveler!
In addition to the emailed communications we send to you, we actively share information to our Facebook and LinkedIn. We encourage you to LIKE US, FOLLOW US, and ENGAGE with us!
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As always, we thank you all for your support!
Member Services
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Trailways Charter Network
Main: 703-691-3052 x2
Toll Free: 877-467-3346
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Trailways Transportation System
3900 Jermantown Rd., Suite 300
Fairfax, VA 22030
Main: 703-691-3052
Email: sabina@trailways.com
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