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contents

advertisers

FAPT president’s message .....................................................................................6Commitment spans decades .................................................................................7Going home: In more ways than one ....................................................................9To advertise or not to advertise ..........................................................................11The legacy of Matthews Buses ...........................................................................14A recap on the annual Lake Yale Leadership Training Meeting .........................15

Bus-Air Manufacturing goes above and beyond ...............................................30Calling all technicians ..........................................................................................31Creating peace of mind ......................................................................................32Are there hidden costs to an aging fleet? ..........................................................34Safety in motion .................................................................................................35Streamlining the competitive bidding process for Florida school districts ........36American Cooling Technology expands rooftop product line ...........................38New identity, same quality assurance .................................................................40Sunshine clean ....................................................................................................41Meet the new bus dealer in Florida ....................................................................42

Cover photo provided by Matthews Buses.

Published by DeL communications Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com

President & ceo David Langstaff

Publisher Jason Stefanik

Managing editor Cindy Chan [email protected]

advertising sales Manager Dayna Oulion

advertising account executive Ross James

contributing Writers James Beekman Glen Enstice Melanie Franner Jillian Mitchell Brooke Neal Jamie Warrington

Production services provided by S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com

art director Kathy Cable

Layout Joel Gunter

advertising art Dana Jensen Sheri Kidd

© Copyright 2015.

Florida Association for

Pupil Transportation. All rights reserved.

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Printed in Canada06/2015

2015 fAPT conferenceVendor table assignment ....................................................................................16Floor map ............................................................................................................17Attractions and activities .....................................................................................18Restaurant guide .................................................................................................20Sponsors ..............................................................................................................24Vendors ...............................................................................................................25

ACC Climate Control ..............................40American Cooling Technology Inc. .........39American Logistics Company .................37Angeltrax .................................................33Bus Air Manufacturing ..............................5Cummins Power South............................13E-Z-On Products Inc. ............................. IBC

Florida Detroit Diesel Allison ....................8Florida Transportation Systems Inc................................. 3, 22-23Matthews Bus ......................................OBCRifled Air ....................................................8School Training Solutions ........................11Sun State Bus Centers .......................... IFC

6 2015 conference

FaPt President’s Message

It seems as though we in school transportation are in a constant state of transition.

The dictionary defines “transition” as the process of changing from one state or condition to another. Other terms for “transition” include “change”, “evolution”, “progress” and “transformation”.

Since our conference last year, we have seen two past FAPT (Florida Association for Pupil Transportation) presidents retire. Our longtime state director has taken a position on the national stage, and many directors have moved on to new districts. I am sure there have been changes within your own operations as well.

In addition to personnel changes, we have seen changes in state au-diting procedures, driver physicals and CDL testing, just to name a few things. If we were ostriches, we would probably want to bury our heads in the sand.

So the question is: how do we handle it? Historically, the attitude of many in school transportation has been to maintain the status quo. I wish I had a nickel for every time someone said to me, “That’s not how we do it!” or “We’ve always done it that way!” or “Just because.” The reality is that sometimes the old way is the best way, but sometimes it is not. Our job as leaders in this industry is to recognize which is which, defend our posi-tion when necessary and embrace change when it is the right thing to do.

As I assume the position of FAPT president, my message to you is this:If you are currently involved as an active FAPT member, thank you –

thank you very much. If you are not, then I am asking you to become actively involved. Make the commitment, get off of the bench. There are many ways to participate. We need your help to reach our full potential as an organization. We need your knowledge, expertise and opinions to help us make better decisions.

Experience has taught me that the more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know. So please don’t wait until you think you “know enough” to start contributing. Start now, because your perspective is valuable to the FAPT.

My promise to you is this:FAPT leadership will always value your opinions and contributions and

will respect your points of view. We will always be available when you want or need to reach out to us. I assure you that I will not always have an answer, but together we will find the right answer. The greatest resource of any organization is its people. That makes you, the FAPT membership, our most valuable resource. I am asking you to help the FAPT transition, grow and evolve so that we can be the best that we can be. I am excited and honored to have this opportunity and am looking forward to a great two years. ✱

Scott Pfender

www.faptflorida.org 7

coMMitMent sPans decades

When Rebecca Rora started working with Marion County Public Schools in 1982, she did so out of necessity. But in the years since, Rora has proven to be a loyal employee with an unwavering drive to make a difference. Today, as transpor-tation director, Rora remains committed to her cause.

a humble past“I started my career in criminal justice,”

states Rora. “I had spent two years at a lo-cal college in criminology and was sched-uled to transfer to university to continue my studies.”

That career soon made a sharp turn.“What happened was that I had my

first daughter at a young age, so I needed to get a job – fast,” she says.

By Melanie Franner

Rebecca Rora started her career in criminal justice, but when her life took a surprising turn, she took a job as a bus aid which turned into a lifelong passion for helping students.

“I am very happy with where I am today,” she says. “I enjoy working with the student population, especially with the

special needs students. I have been heavily involved in that area for the last 10 years here. I have attended numerous conferences and brought back a lot of information to be

disseminated to the team so that they, in turn, could better train the bus drivers on how to accommodate these students.”

Rora soon found herself working for Marion County Public Schools as a bus aid. A couple of months later, she be-came a bus driver. From there, it was dual duties as a bus driver and trainer. A position as full-time bus driver trainer soon followed, which eventually turned into zone coordinator and then special projects coordinator.

But throughout this career trajec-tory, Rora continued her education. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working at Marion County Public Schools.

And, in April of 2014, Rora officially took on the mantle of transportation di-rector.

“I am very happy with where I am today,” she says. “I enjoy working with the student population, especially with the special needs students. I have been heavily involved in that area for the last 10 years here. I have attended numerous conferences and brought back a lot of in-formation to be disseminated to the team

so that they, in turn, could better train the bus drivers on how to accommodate these students.”

a role to relishAs transportation director, Rora over-

sees the entire transportation team and ensures that all departments run smoothly – that the organization is fully staffed with bus drivers and attendants, that the rout-ing is in place and that people are up to date on all of the ever-changing rules and regulations.

Rora’s team includes 22 managerial members, some 300 bus drivers and 140 bus attendants, along with a shop man-ager and the 27 employees who work there. “My biggest challenge this school year has been retention of bus drivers and bus attendants,” she says.

“Our student population averages 42,000 and we transport approximately 23,000 of them every day,” Rora says. “We run 276 routes, on average, every single day.”

8 2015 conference

Having worked for Marion County Public Schools for 33 years now – and counting – Rora has seen some significant changes firsthand.

“One of the biggest changes I’ve seen in transportation is the increase of inclu-sion, which is transporting special needs students on the same bus as general pop-ulation,” she states. “There has been a lot of integration between the special educa-tion students and the general students, which I think is a good thing. A lot of these children may be wheelchair-bound, and it’s only been in the last few years that we’ve purchased 77 passenger buses equipped with wheelchair lifts to accommodate and expand in this area. It’s taken a lot of education but I think we’ve got it to a good level now where everyone has a good understanding and is comfortable with the growing change.”

Rora notes that of the 44 buses pur-chased by Marion County Public Schools this year, 14 of them are outfitted with a wheelchair lift.

“Having these special buses available has helped broaden the understanding of the issue,” she adds. “And it has also proven to be more cost-efficient.”

Another significant change witnessed by Rora is with the bus drivers themselves.

“You used to see a lot of older people or retirees become bus drivers,” she says. “But today, we’re seeing a lot of younger people. Many of these people take ad-vantage of the morning and afternoon shifts to go to school in between. I really encourage them to do that and tell them my own story. Of course, this means that I do eventually lose some of them to the school, where they become teachers, or to other careers like physical therapy.”

still focusedOne thing that hasn’t changed with

Rora in all the time she has spent with Marion County Public Schools is the fo-cus and determination. In her current role as transportation director, she remains as committed as ever to making a differ-ence.

“I’d like to see more involvement with the employees from the top level,” she says, adding that she is often out of the office and meeting one-on-one with the bus drivers and other individuals. “I like to be out there in the field where I can see the problems that my people are fac-ing. And I encourage my team to get out from behind their desks and do the same. It’s all about communication, cooperation and working together – that’s what I strive for.” ✱

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going hoMe: in More Ways than oneBy Melanie Franner

For Shawn Tucker, taking on the position of senior director of transportation for Orange County Public Schools gave him the opportunity to return to his Floridian roots. But it also provided him with the opportunity to make an impact each and every day.

“Sometimes the only smile a student will get during the day is the one from the bus driver or attendant,” he says. “For me, it’s about letting the staff know that we’re making a difference in [the] stu-dents’ lives.”

That staff that Tucker oversees includes

a total of 1,600 employees. It also in-volves some 1,100 buses – of which 908 are route buses. According to Tucker, a lot of these route buses will do triple runs each day, picking up and dropping off students at three different schools.

“There are a lot of moving parts in trans-portation,” he says. “Part of our daily rou-tine is going through processes to ensure that everyone working within a certain area is on the same page. This makes us more efficient and more effective – and it also makes us a stronger team.”

tools to improveTucker joined Orange County Pub-

lic Schools in December of 2014, after working in the industry as a bus driver for six years while going to school. Prior to that, his most recent stint was with Indian River and Salt Lake City. Despite being relatively new to the organization, Tucker has already become pleased with much of what he sees.

“One of the wonderful things about Orange County Public Schools that I am very excited to be a part of is their view on technology and continuous learning,”

Shawn Tucker was a bus driver for six years before his current stint as senior director of transportation.

10 2015 conference

he says. “For example, if there is a confer-ence that will enable us to learn how we can provide better service, then we will get the backing to attend.”

Tucker cites the example of how Or-ange County Public Schools is part of the Council of the Great City Schools, an organization comprised of the nation’s largest urban public school systems that promotes the use of best practices and quantifiable measuring tools.

“Another thing that I like about be-ing here is that Orange County Public Schools is committed to providing excel-lent service, even if it means the district has to foot the bill,” says Tucker, who cites the example of using shuttle buses as a temporary means to deal with traffic and parent congestion in a burgeoning area of the county. “We’ve experienced about 18 percent growth on the west side during the last five years. The district wasn’t re-quired to provide transportation but they opted to put in shuttle buses to help out in a busy situation. In my experience, it’s rare to be able to look at ways to provide

better service without being driven by cost alone. True, cost needs to be taken into consideration. But it’s nice to know that it isn’t the only thing taken into consider-ation here.”

Another initiative recently undertaken was the retrofitting of all 1,100 buses to bio-diesel, a move that officially became a reality at the end of January of 2015.

Making it workAlthough Tucker may be relatively new

to Orange County Public Schools, he isn’t new to engaging people on how to do the best job they can.

“I’m constantly thinking about the driv-ers, the attendants and mechanics,” he says. “If we can make these people feel more appreciated, then I think we could become a stronger and more effective team. I’m big on going out and being with the drivers, whether it be attending their area meetings or meeting with them at the schools.”

A believer in continuous improvement, Tucker wants to see all employees thinking

of ways to be more effective and ways to improve service. It is this type of employ-ee thought process that will generate the small changes, he says, which will eventu-ally result in big changes that will become visible to all.

At the same time, Tucker is mindful of the fact that it’s the drivers themselves who have the closest interaction with the stu-dents – all 72,000 of them, in the case of Orange County Public Schools.

“If we’re not starting the day off with a smile for our students, then we’re not do-ing it right,” he says.

And with many bus drivers in their 35th year of service and beyond – it seems that Tucker’s team is well-versed in how to do things the right way – for the benefit of students, parents and the employees them-selves.

“We’ve got a great group of dedicated people here,” says Tucker. “I am both happy and proud to be part of the team.”

Shawn Tucker was a bus driver for six years before his current stint as senior di-rector of transportation. ✱

“There are a lot of moving parts in

transportation,” he says. “Part of our

daily routine is going through processes to ensure that everyone

working within a certain area is on the

same page. This makes us more efficient and more effective – and

it also makes us a stronger team.”


Is advertising on school buses an effective alternative source of revenue in an era of budget shortfalls? Or is it an unsafe com-mercialization of the school setting that sends the wrong message to students?

That is the controversial question many school districts across the country are fac-ing as they try to find ways to alleviate the financial pinch caused by years of cuts to educational funding.

not a new conceptContracting with advertisers for space

on school buses is not a new concept. Col-orado school districts began to advertise on school buses in 1997. Arizona, Ne-vada and Tennessee soon followed suit.

Currently 11 states allow advertising on the exterior of school buses. Many districts are seeing six-figure profits with some rak-ing in as much as half a million dollars a year. Districts are using this money to com-pensate for higher fuel and utility expens-

to advertise or not to advertiseBy Brooke Neal

While many people agree that advertising on school buses is a great way to raise money for schools, others believe that it cheapens the value of education.

12 2015 conference

es, transport homeless students to after-school programs and maintain the current level of transportation services. However, while advertising on school buses is yield-ing fiscal success, some question whether it is the right thing to do. Is there a better answer? Let’s explore both sides of this heated issue.

opponents’ beliefs

SafetyOpponents of advertising on the exte-

rior of school buses contend that students’ safety will be compromised. They believe advertisements will negate the distinct school bus features (i.e. bright yellow color, flashing lights, stop-arm) that keep children safe. Instead, passing motorists will be distracted by the advertisement and may not notice the bus has stopped or that students are loading or unload-ing. Although there are no statistics that support advertising on school buses as a safety hazard for students, opponents point to the many studies on driver dis-traction in motor vehicle accidents to sup-port their argument.

Commercialization of the school setting

Children are impressionable, and op-ponents argue that children will be irrepa-rably harmed by advertisements on school buses. They believe subjecting students to the commercial culture corrupts the integ-

rity of public education. Opponents assert that most Americans feel there is too much advertising in their daily lives as it is, and that there should be limits placed on it.

Health concernsAccording to the Institute of Medicine,

“food advertising to children affects their preferences and consumption habits.” In a time when a vast number of children are suffering from Type 2 diabetes and obesity, there are many ads parents just don’t want their children to see. Oppo-nents suggest that schools should not be helping to contribute to these health epi-demics by promoting junk food, soda and other unhealthy foods.

LawsuitsFirst Amendment lawsuits are another

concern opponents raise. Because there are certain products schools definitely don’t want to promote on school buses, opponents assert there could be potential legal challenges to advertisement content restrictions. Those opposed believe that trying to control the types of advertise-ments placed on school buses could end up costing the districts more in the long run, canceling out all of the extra revenue earned and then some.

Proponents’ beliefs

Money, money, moneyObviously, the advantage to using ad-

vertising on school buses is the financial gain. Many agree that in this difficult economic time, every little bit helps. With budgets being cut by millions of dollars each year, finding alternative sources of revenue proves difficult for school districts. Some districts have even begun charging fees for transportation services. Propo-nents say this option is wrong as school transportation should be a free public service. By advertising on school buses, districts are able to avoid imposing a fee and maintain services without affecting children’s educational opportunities. Pro-ponents argue that no one wants to see less funding for education, and with some


districts making as much as $700,000 a year in revenue, districts are able to make up for the budget shortfalls without raising taxes – which no one wants.

Safety concernsThose for advertising on school buses

point out that there has never been an accident attributed to drivers being dis-tracted by school bus ads. After all, they say city buses have been doing it for de-cades with no problems. They consistently reinforce their claims by stating that there is no data that suggests ads on buses are unsafe. Even though the National Asso-ciation of State Directors of Pupil Trans-portation Services (NADPTS) strongly opposes advertising on school buses, they have provided guidelines for dis-tricts choosing to do so to ensure safety. NADPTS recommends that the devices used to secure the advertisements be de-signed to prevent clothing and items from snagging on them. NADPTS encourages (and some state laws provide) restrictions to size and location for bus ads to help maintain safety.

Commercialization concernsProponents also assert that advertising

in the school setting has been a common practice for years. Yearbooks, sports sta-diums and school play programs have long contained advertising. However, they point out that the ads on the bus target drivers, not students. Since the ads are on the outside of the bus, students will not be forced to look at them to and from school every day. In fact, many pro-ponents hail these advertisers as heroes for investing in education, and many busi-nesses create pro-education messages for the school buses.

Lawsuit concernsMany districts and states have created

laws and formed committees that limit the content of the ads placed on school buses and oversee the whole process. Any messages prohibited in schools are usually prohibited on school buses (e.g. liquor, tobacco, drugs, gambling, etc.). Opponents argue that creating content

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restrictions creates the potential for First Amendment lawsuits, but proponents are quick to point out that there have been none. Also, if these messages are not al-lowed in school, they also should not be on the school buses.

To advertise or not to advertise – that is the question. This controversial issue is sure to remain for many years to come. Whether you agree or disagree with your state or district’s decision, one thing is cer-

tain – as school bus drivers, you cannot control the actions of others around you, but with proper training and practice you can maintain safety on your bus. Patrick Willi, director of School Training Solutions, reiterates the importance of preparation: “Training is paramount to safety, and a va-riety of training methods and techniques is the best way to provide school bus drivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely navigate any situation.” ✱

14 2015 conference

the Legacy oF MattheWs Buses

Robert E. Matthews and Justine H. Matthews founded Matthews Buses, Inc., in March of 1967. Under the leadership of their son, Glenn J. Matthews, Matthews Buses has developed a legacy of trust with Florida school districts since 2008.

One of the many things customers can trust is that they will receive topnotch, on-site training for all product lines distributed by Matthews Buses. On April 21, 2015, nine Seminole County technicians received free propane engine training for their brand new 71-passenger, propane-powered Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. In addition to the recent Seminole County training, Ali Rampartab (Matthews Buses’ in-house full-time trainer and technical support advisor), Arie Poldervaart (CleanFUEL USA’s technical services manager) and Robert Roehl (Powertrain Inte-gration’s program manager) provided two full days of advanced engine training to Matthews Buses’ road technicians on the Pow-ertrain Integration GM propane-powered engine.

Whatever fuel Florida school districts choose – diesel, natural gas or propane – Rampartab is certified to provide the training that Florida school districts need. Rampartab is a regular at the FAPT (Florida Association for Pupil Transportation) summer tech-nicians’ workshops, and this year he will be conducting Thomas training for all models.

No matter what buses you buy, Matthews’ road technicians

Matthews Buses’ legacy of excellent customer service started with Robert E. Matthews and Justine H. Matthews in 1967.

are certified to perform Cummins Engine warranty repairs and CPWA sublet warranty for all makes of buses on-site.

Rampartab also provides multi-plex electrical, chassis, body, transmission and air-conditioning training. He was named Thom-as Built Buses’ International Trainer of the Year in 2012. Most of the Florida school districts’ technicians who have attended Ram-partab’s hands-on training classes tend to agree that he deserves this award each and every year. In addition to topnotch training, customers can trust that the Matthews Buses team will go above and beyond the call of duty for its customers. This legacy started a long time ago as evidenced in the passage below found in Ralph Braun’s book, Rise Above, whereby Ralph credited Rob-ert “Bob” Matthews for helping him break into the school bus industry:

We decided to change our go-to-market strategy and directly approach the dealers who served the school districts. It worked, for one main reason: the complaints about our competitor’s qual-ity were getting louder and more frequent, and their business was hurting. Because the school districts on a day-to-day basis, they got the brunt of the criticism, despite the fact they weren’t the manufacturers of the buses or the lifts that were in them.

One of those dealers was Bob Matthews, who was buying his buses from Thomas Built, a large manufacturer out of High Point, North Carolina, that was using Collins’s lifts. Bob came to see us in Winamac because the quality issue was getting out of hand. The school districts depended on him to deliver quality products that lasted, and he wanted to make things right. Rather than make me travel to New York, he flew to Winamac in his pri-vate plane, where I picked him up and brought him to the plant.

Within an hour of watching our lifts in action and hearing us talk about the care and effort we put into making them, Bob was sold. He wasted no time in placing an order for 55 lifts. Next, instead of waiting for the lifts to be shipped, he said he would bring 55 buses all the way to Winamac so we could install the lifts ourselves. Now this was a man of action – my kind of guy.

Both Ralph and Bob passed away within months of each other a few years ago. With their legacies intact in the school bus in-dustry, they are now up in bus heaven watching our every move. Thus, we want to ensure that our most precious cargo – the stu-dents – rides the safest, most cost-effective and reliable transpor-tation to and from school. Providing proper training and support to school district technicians is a big part of this responsibility. ✱


a recaP on the annuaL Lake yaLe LeadershiP training MeetingBy Jamie Warrington

This past April, the Florida Association for Pupil Transportation (FAPT), in cooperation with the School Transportation Manage-ment Section (STMS) of the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), celebrated the 25th year of the annual Lake Yale Leader-ship Training Meeting.

This innovative and engaging three-day training workshop for school bus operators/trainers, dispatchers and entry-level super-visors has been held for more than 15 years at the beautiful Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center in Leesburg (Lake County), Fla.

Each year, anywhere from 100 to 125 school bus operators, trainers, supervisors and even some bus attendants from all over Florida participate in a series of professional development work-shops for both regular and ESE operators. These workshops help them improve their skills in many areas relating to their important job functions and responsibilities.

While it is not uncommon to see a familiar face each year, there are always several first-time attendees, and thus new pro-fessional relationships are created. This is the only opportunity of its kind for this population of school transportation professionals to come together to network, learn and formulate new ideas to ensure the safest, most efficient student transportation services possible.

Workshop topics vary from year to year, based on recommen-dations from the Lake Yale planning committee. Members of the committee are invited each year by the training representatives

of the FDOE STMS. This committee is charged with determin-ing what topics are relevant for the current year, deciding who should present those topics and attending the workshop to ex-ecute the program.

While representatives from the FDOE STMS office work behind the scenes to prepare for the workshop events, the committee members are also diligently planning and preparing for their presentations, securing door prizes, confirming outside speak-ers and other functions that are instrumental to the success of the program each year. Workshops range from classroom training to practical hands-on training, as well as game show-style trivia presentations to the dangers and consequences of distracted driv-ing. Workshops cover both regular education transportation as well as training for those transporting students with disabilities. No two years are ever the same.

As the program continues to evolve, past attendees can look forward to some significant changes that will take place start-ing next year. The most noticeable change is the title, which will now be called the FAPT Spring Driver Trainers’ Workshop. We at FDOE STMS are excited for the future of this program and encourage transportation professionals from around Florida to contact us with suggestions for future topics or questions. We can be reached at [email protected] or (850) 245-9795.

See you next spring! ✱

16 2015 conference

2015 FaPt conFerenceVendor Table Assignment

1. Cummins Power South2. Fuel Master/SynTec3. Hydrotex4. Seon5. DAVCO Technology LLC6. Reflective Image7. Education Logistics Inc8. American Cooling Technology9. ECO Fuel Systems, LLC10. REI11. Reliable Transmission Service12. ALC13. Rush Truck Centers14. Rush Truck Centers15. ACC Climate Control - A Spheros Co.16. Rosco Vision Systems17. Turbo Diesel & Electric Systems, Inc.18. E-ZOIL Products19. Smart Horizons20. NAPA21. Fortress Systems International22. Trans/Air Manufacturing23. Sun State Bus Centers24. Sun State Bus Centers25. Navistar Parts Group26. MCC & Luke A/C27. Trans/South Services Thermo King28. Mitsubshi Electric29. Ricon30. Zonar31. Florida Detroit Diesel Allison LLC32. Roush Clean Tec33. Florida Transportation Systems, Inc.34. Florida Transportation Systems, Inc.35. HSM Transportation Solutions36. Accuride Corp.37. Bus Planner (Georef Systems)38. Weldon/Akron Brass39. App-Garden40. Q’Straint/Sure-Lok41. Bus Air Manufacturing 42. Synovia Solutions, LLC43. Syntec Seating Solutions44. Matthews Buses45. Matthews Buses46. Trapeze Software47. Gatekeeper Systems48. Bus Bulletin, Inc.

49. Transfinder50. Time Clock Plus51. Tiger Mirror Corporation52. Unity Bus Parts53. Bus Parts Experts54. Tyler Technologies55. Bridgestone Commercial Solutions56. Dossier Systems

57. AmeriGas Propane 58. EDPM 59. Transportation Sector Consultants60. TranSubro, Inc.61. Unicomp USA62. Automotive Development Group63. Webb Wheel Products64. AngelTrax

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• In-room coffee, hair dryer, iron and ironing board

• Bistro 1501, specializing in seafood delicacies in a casual atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Cobalt’s, for cocktails and light snacks

• Guest laundry and valet services

• Room service

• Safe deposit boxes

• Soda, ice and vending machines

18 2015 conference

Local Attractions

More Activities

• Daytona Int’l Speedway• Daytona Beach• Walt Disney World Resort • Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure/City Walk• Sea World/Discovery Cove/Aquatica

• Wekiwa Springs State Park• Downtown Orlando• Mayor Bob Carr Theater• Kennedy Space Center • Orlando Science Center

Black Hammock Airboat Rides• Lake Jesup, FL• Black Hammock Adventures• (407) 365-1244

Central Florida Tours• Florida attractions• Central Florida Tours• (888) 972-9436

Kennedy Space Center Tours• Kennedy Space Center• NASA

Wild Bill’s Airboat Tours• Florida swamps• Wild Bill’s Airboat Tours• (352) 726-6060

• Bike rentals (2.5 miles)• Biking trail (0.4 miles)• Boating (8 miles)• Bowling (6.7 miles)• Fly-fishing (8 miles) • Hiking (10 miles) • Horseback riding (10 miles) • Jet-skiing (8 miles) • Kayaking (8 miles) • Miniature golf (13 miles)

• Nature preserve trail (10 miles) • Rock climbing (8.5 miles) • Sailing (8 miles) • Scuba diving (40 miles) • Snorkeling (40 miles) • Surfing (40 miles) • Table tennis (5 miles) • Volleyball (5 miles) • Water-skiing (8 miles)

Area Tour ServicesLet those in the know show you around town.

Sightseeing


Family & Children’s Activities

Golf Nearby

Swimming Nearby

Walt Disney World Resort (42 miles)• Phone: (407) 939-6244• Disney World features six themed parks with

water rides, kids’ attractions, shows, hotels and more.

Universal Orlando (27 miles) • Phone: (800) 363-8000• Universal Orlando is a dual-theme park complex

with themed rides and attractions.

Wonder Works (29 miles) • Phone: (407) 351-8800• This is an amusement park for the mind,

combining education and entertainment in more than 100 exhibits.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens (5 miles) • Phone: (407) 323-4450• Enter the enchanted, tropical world of the Central

Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

Victoria Hills Golf Club (16 miles)• Phone: (386) 738-6000• Greens fees apply• Rentals and lessons• Driving range and putting green• Victoria Hills Golf Club:

18 holes, 7,149 yards, par for course: 72 Designed by Ron Garl

Eagle Dunes Golf Club (17 miles)• Phone: (352) 357-0123 • Greens fees apply • Rentals and lessons

• Driving range and putting green • Eagle Dunes Golf Club:

18 holes, 7,024 yards, par for course: 72 Designed by Mike Dasher

Black Bear Golf Club (18 miles)• Phone: (352) 357-4732• Greens fees apply• Driving range and putting green • Black Bear Golf Club:

18 holes, 7,002 yards, par for course: 72 Designed by P.B. Dye

• Daytona Beach (38 miles)

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Restaurants

Bistro 1501 (407) 995-1100 Breakfast Monday to Friday – 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday to Sunday – 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday brunch – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

A. FishBones (fine/casual dining*) (407) 581-2399 Sunday to Thursday – 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday to Saturday – 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

B. Friendly Confines (sports bar*) (321) 257-0536 Monday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

C. Istanbul Turkish Cuisine (407) 333-0033 Sunday to Thursday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

D. Terra Mia Brick Oven Pizza (407) 333-1233 Monday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed on Sunday

E. Moe’s Southwest Grill (Mexican) (407) 833-0050 Monday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

F. Patisserie Bakery Café (407) 333-2777 Monday to Saturday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Sunday

G. Applebee’s (casual dining) (407) 444-9930 Monday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

H. Ruth’s Chris Steak House* (407) 804-8220 Monday to Thursday – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday – 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

I. Crispers (407) 833-0901 Monday to Saturday – 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

J. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (407) 804-1929 Monday to Thursday – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

K. Shanghai Express (407) 805-9887 Monday to Thursday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday – noon to 10 p.m.

L. Liam Fitzpatrick’s (Irish pub) (407) 936-3782 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

N. Amura (sushi) (407) 936-6001 Lunch – 11:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner – 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

O. Graffiti Junktion (sports bar) (407) 732-6943 Weekly – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

P. Dexter’s (407) 805-3090 Monday to Thursday – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday brunch – 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Q. Cozee Café (407) 804-0066 Monday to Wednesday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday – 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday – 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday – 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

R. The Vineyard Wine Company (407) 833-WINE Monday to Thursday – 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday – 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

S. Subway (407) 333-7827 Monday to Friday – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

T. Cold Stone Creamery (ice cream shop) (407) 833-0320 Sunday to Thursday – noon to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday – noon to 11 p.m.

U. Papa Joe’s Pizza (407) 936-3300 Monday to Thursday – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday – noon to 10 p.m.

V. McDonald’s Open 24 hours

Park Place Heathrow(Directly behind the Marriott)

Colonial Town Park(Directly across CR 46A)

* Restaurant with coupons. Please ask at the front desk.

Reliability starts with the right parts. When it comes to your special needs applications, reliable parts are not just an option - they are a necessity. Our dealers carry the best selection of restraint systems, seat tracking, storage, belt retractors and more. Plus, they can get your order to you fast. We make sure you get the important parts you need, when you need them.

92% of parts orders ship the same day

Restraint Systems

Seat Tracking

Storage

Belt Retractors

Accessories



Blue Bird. A heritage of looking ahead.

THE PROVEN PROPANE LEADER BUILDING THE ONLY PURPOSE-BUILT SCHOOL BUS

Dedicated pre-and post- sales support.

Lowest operating cost and highest uptime.

Extended-range 100-gallon LPG fuel tank.

Purpose-built Ford engine and transmission.

Two fuel pumps for improved reliability.

Over 1.3 million Ford 6.8L engines on the road.TMFORD/ROUSH CleanTech PROPANE

BUSES HAVE TRAVELED OVER

50 MILLION MILESOVER THE PAST 2 AND A HALF YEARS*.

*Mileage is based on average miles driven by all Propane ROUSH/Ford buses currently in operation.



Reliability starts with the right parts. When it comes to your special needs applications, reliable parts are not just an option - they are a necessity. Our dealers carry the best selection of restraint systems, seat tracking, storage, belt retractors and more. Plus, they can get your order to you fast. We make sure you get the important parts you need, when you need them.

92% of parts orders ship the same day

Restraint Systems

Seat Tracking

Storage

Belt Retractors

Accessories



24 2015 conference

GOLD SPONSORS2015-2016

bRONze SPONSORS2015-2016

FaPt vendors

ACC Climate Control – A Spheros Company Rick Stephens Director of Sales 5536 Research Drive Canton, MI 48188 (734) 218-7350 [email protected]

ACC Climate Control A Spheros Company CJ Irizar Sales Rep 5536 Research Drive Canton, MI 48188 (734) 218-7350 [email protected]

Accuride Corporation Steven Lopez District Sales Manager - Florida Region 7140 Office Circle Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 213-5554 [email protected]

ALC Mike Dunne Director, Business Development 260-901 Calle Amanecer San Clemente, CA 92673 (866) 999-3371 [email protected]

American Cooling Technology Bill Schroyer Southeast USA Sales Manager 715 Willow Springs Lane York, PA 17406 (717) 767-2775 [email protected]

AmeriGas Propane David Rigney National AutoGas Account Manager 482 Nash Lane Port Orange, FL 32127 (386) 256-5039 [email protected]

AmeriGas Propane Diana Price Area Sales Manager 29216 Highway 27 Dundee, FL 33838 (863) 289-0750 [email protected]

AngelTrax Alecia Andersen Southeastern Sales Executive 9540 US Highway 84 West Newton, AL 36352 (334) 692-4600 [email protected]

APP-Garden Stewart Cook Vice President 409-B 4th Street Southwest Hickory, NC 28602 (828) 322-5060 Ext 20 [email protected]

Automotive Development Group Bill Dominiak Sales 4701 Reece Road Plant City, FL 33566 (904) 993-1557 [email protected]

Automotive Development Group Colton Bridges Sales 4701 Reece Road Plant City, FL 33566 (904) 993-1557 [email protected]

Bridgstone Commercial Solutions Dustin Emch Commercial Sales Manager 9011 Timberlin Lake Road Jacksonville, FL 32256 (330) 261-5789 [email protected]

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions Igor Molina Commercial Sales Manager 8698 Northwest 40th Street Coral Springs, FL 33065 (754) 235-7397 [email protected]

Bus Air Manufacturing James Jimbo Anderson Regional Sales Manager 6630 East Highway 114, PO Box 1038 Rhome, TX 76078 (973) 897-2542 [email protected]

Bus Bulletin, Inc. Rick Smith President/Owner 3822 Patrick Road Panama City, FL 32409 (850) 832-3224 [email protected]

Bus Parts Experts Laura Thomas Internet Sales Manager 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (866) 349-6928 [email protected]

Bus Parts Experts Jeff Slack Director of Sales 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (866) 349-6928 [email protected]

Bus Parts Experts Brad Hull Outside Sales 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (866) 349-6928 [email protected]

Bus Planner Dale McQuiggin Business Development Manager 245 Bathurst Drive Waterloo, Ontario N2V 2E4 (519) 747-7623 [email protected]

Cummins Power South Craig Weerts Regional Bus Manager 5910 E. Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 664-5854 [email protected]

Cummins Power South David Diehl Bus Manager 5910 E. Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 664-5854 [email protected]

DAVCO Technology LLC Guerry Williams Regional Manager 2450 Bob Bettis Road Marietta, GA 30066 (734) 780-4902 [email protected]

Dossier Systems Adam Becker Regional Account Manager 6 Terri Lane Burlington, NJ 08016 (609) 747-8801 [email protected]

ECO Fuel Systems, LLC Cary Nagdeman Director 20920 Concord Green Drive Boca Raton, FL 33433 (866) 374-0002 [email protected]


2015 FAPT Summer Symposium Vendor Registrations

FaPt vendors

26 2015 conference

Education Logistics Inc. John Lyles VP of Business Development 3000 Palmer Street Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 728-0893 Ext 3116 [email protected]

Employers Drug Program Management, Inc. DBA EDPM Dennis Bennett Chief Development Officer 505-20th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 (717) 762-2765 [email protected]

Employers Drug Program Management, Inc. DBA EDPM Jason Dailey Chief Development Officer 505-20th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 326-3100 [email protected]

E-ZOIL Products Glenn Miller President 234 Fillmore Tonawanda, NY 14150 (716) 213-0106 [email protected]

Florida Detroit Diesel Allison LLC Paul St. John Allison Business Manager 8411 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 918-1732 [email protected]

Florida Detroit Diesel Allison LLC Steve Winstanley FDDA Service Manager 224 Southwest 52nd Avenue Ocala, FL 34474 (352) 237-7977 [email protected]

Florida Transportation Systems, Inc. Chris Rustman President 7703 Industrial Lane Tampa, FL 33637 (800) 282-8617 [email protected]

Florida Transportation Systems, Inc. Steve Murphy Sales Consultant 7703 Industrial Lane Tampa, FL 33637 (800) 282-8617 [email protected]

Florida Transportation Systems, Inc. Ross Rayner Sales Consultant 7703 Industrial Lane Tampa, FL 33637 (800) 282-8617 [email protected]

Florida Transportation Systems, Inc. Doug Revelle Customer Support Manager 7703 Industrial Lane Tampa, FL 33637 (800) 282-8617 [email protected]

Fortress Systems International, Inc. Kevin Neafie Sales Manager 3801 Rose Lake Drive Charlotte, NC 28217 (704) 405-5000 [email protected]

FUELMASTER/Syn-Tech Systems, Inc. Joel Hilyer Regional Sales Manager 100 Four Points Way Tallahassee, FL 32305 (800) 888-9136 [email protected]

Gatekeeper-Systems Inc. Valerie Higgins Territory Manager 1088 Daisy Falls Drive Nixa, MO 65714 (417) 818-1622 [email protected]

Gatekeeper Systems Gayla Brice 146 Cave Hollow Road Ozark, MO 65721 (417) 861-6174 [email protected]

HSM Transportation Solutions Danny Maxwell Market Manager 1325 Baker Road High Point, NC 27263 (336) 906-6413 [email protected]

HSM Transportation Solutions David Murphy Market Manager 1325 Baker Road High Point, NC 27263 (336) 906-6413 [email protected]

Hydrotex Louis Morgan Division Partner 12920 Senlac Farmers Branch, TX 75234 (407) 595-0910 [email protected]

Luke A/C Contracting, Inc. Kristi Luke Vice President 11544 Normandy Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32221 (904) 629-7608 [email protected]

Luke A/C Contracting, Inc. Tom Luke President 11544 Normandy Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32221 (904) 629-7608 [email protected]

Matthews Buses Inc. Glenn Matthews Owner 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (800) 288-6287 [email protected]

Matthews Buses Inc. Don Ross Sales Manager 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (941) 209-0409 [email protected]

Matthews Buses Inc. Pete Fenderson Account Manager 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (407) 758-0306 [email protected]

Matthews Buses Tim Bevier Sales 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (800) 288-6287 [email protected]

Matthews Buses Cliff Clare Sales 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (800) 288-6287 [email protected]

FaPt vendors


Matthews Buses Ali Rampartab Safety and Training Manager 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (800) 288-6287 [email protected]

Matthews Buses Gene Hupp Quality Control Manager 4802 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32808 (800) 288-6287 [email protected]

Maudlin International Trucks Bob Magnus President 2300 South Division Avenue Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 849-6440 [email protected]

Maudlin International Trucks Mike Maudlin Vice President/General Manager 2300 South Division Avenue Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 849-6440 [email protected]

Maudlin International Trucks John Maudlin 2300 South Division Avenue Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 849-6440 [email protected]

Maudlin International Trucks Robert Leal Service Director 2300 South Division Avenue Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 849-6440 [email protected]

Maudlin International Trucks Kirk Morse Parts Director 2300 South Division Avenue Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 849-6440 [email protected]

Maudlin International Trucks Henry Tucker Parts Sales 2300 South Division Avenue Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 849-6440 [email protected]

Maudlin International Trucks Mark Johanson Service Manager 2300 South Division Avenue Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 849-6440 [email protected]

Mitsubshi Electric Danny Ritter National Technical Support Manager 9804 Concord Church Road Lewisville, NC 27023 (336) 749-3790 [email protected]

Mobile Climate Control Corp Mark Weisweaver Sales 17103 State Road 4 East Goshen, IN 46528 (905) 482-2750 [email protected]

Genuine Parts Company d/b/a NAPA Auto Parts Mark Smith IBS Sales 11718 North Florida Avenue Tampa, FL 33612 (727) 234-2401 [email protected]

Navistar Parts Group Mike Cicerchia Parts Sales Manager Southeast Region 13205 Vennetta Way Windermere, FL 34786 (224) 532-7081 [email protected]

Navistar Parts Group Jim Chirico Region Director of Parts Sales 6612 Camelot Court Keystone Heights, FL 32656 (352) 473-1190 [email protected]

Q-Straint/Sure-Lok Chris Yarber Southeast Regional Manager 5553 Ravenswood Road, Building 110 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 (800) 987-9987 [email protected]

Rechtien International Trucks Gary Kitchen Account Manager 1699 North US Highway 1 Ft. Pierce, FL 34950 (772) 577-0464 [email protected]

Rechtien International Trucks Roger Brompton 2565 West SR 84 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 957-8390 [email protected]

Rechtien International Trucks Rick Vestal Regional Account Manager 3787 Interstate Park Road Riviera Beach, FL 33404 (561) 882-9050 [email protected]

Rechtien International Trucks Carlos Currlin Managing Director 7227 Northwest 74th Avenue Miami, FL 33166 (305) 888-0111 [email protected]

Reflective Image Kristin Von Eiff Owner 74605 Main Road Greenport, NY 11944 (631) 477-3368 [email protected]

REI Ron Deming Account Manager 6534 L Street Omaha, NE 68117 (402) 339-2200 [email protected]

Reliable Transmission Service Gary H. Phillips President 6613-78th Street South Riverview, FL 33578 (813) 677-8883 [email protected]

Ricon Maritza Valentin Commercial East Sales & Service Mgr 10235 Celtic Ash Drive Ruskin, FL 33573 (215) 375-4819 [email protected]

Rosco Vision Systems Ron Marion Regional Sales Manager 90-21 144th Place Jamaica, NY 11435 (718) 526-2601 [email protected]

FaPt vendors

28 2015 conference

ROUSH CleanTech Chelsea Jenkins Group Account Director 12170 Globe Street Livonia, MI 48150 (734) 466-6340 [email protected]

ROUSH CleanTech Brian Carney Group Account Director 12170 Globe Street Livonia, MI 48150 (734) 466-6340 [email protected]

Rush Truck Centers - Florida Mike O’Connor Regional Municipal Accounts Manager 8111 East Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 731-8871 [email protected]

Rush Truck Centers - Florida Jeff Leyland Regional Aftermarket Parts Sales Mgr. 8111 East Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (727) 638-4385 [email protected]

Rush Truck Centers - Florida Jeff Belcher Regional Outside Service Sales 1925 West Princeton Street Orlando, FL 32804 (407) 468-0538 [email protected]

Seon Bob Burke Sales Executive #111 – 3B Burbidge Street Coquitlam, BC V3K 7B2 (877) 630-7366 [email protected]

Seon CJ Otto Sales Executive #111 – 3B Burbidge Street Coquitlam, BC V3K 7B2 (877) 630-7366 [email protected]

Seon Terry Akiyama #111 – 3B Burbidge Street Coquitlam, BC V3K 7B2 (877) 630-7366 [email protected]

Smart Horizons Patrick Willi Director, School Training Solutions 25 East 9 ½ Mile Road Pensacola, FL 32534 (850) 475-4024 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Oscar Horton President and CEO 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Kelli Horton Executive Operations Manager 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Humberto “Chief” Alvarez Director of Education & Training 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 390-5741 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Paul Dearth Parts Sales Manager 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Tony Martell VP Parts and Service Operations 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Jim Powers Sales Manager 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 760-8534 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Steve Miller Parts Sales 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Dave Metcalf VP and GM Transport Sales 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Bob Dolan Bus Sales South 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Jamie Gray Bus Sales North 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Mike McCullough Bus Sales Liaison 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 226-7330 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers Diana Chesney Bus Sales Administrator 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Sun State Bus Centers John McLane Trainer 6020 Adamo Drive Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 621-1331 [email protected]

Synovia Solutions, LLC Peter Nemeth Account Manager 9330 Priority Way West Drive Indianapolis, IN 46240 (954) 907-1493 [email protected]

Syntec Seating Solutions Rick Smith OEM Sales & Marketing Manager 200 Swathmore Avenue Highpoint, NC 27263 (336) 899-4809 [email protected]

FaPt vendors


Thomas Built Buses Mike Stotler Manager of Service Education 1408 Courtesy Road High Point, NC 27260 (336) 878-4131 [email protected]

Thomas Built Buses Jim Crowcroft Fleet Development Manager 1408 Courtesy Road High Point, NC 27260 (336) 862-9319 [email protected]

Tiger Mirror Corp. Tony Pietrowski Design Engineer 465 Main Street Clay Center, OH 43408 (419) 704-2282 [email protected]

TimeClock Plus Chad Miller Assistant Vice President of Sales 1 TimeClock Drive San Angelo, TX 76904 (800) 749-8463 [email protected]

Trans/Air Manufacturing David Harden National Sales Manager 480 East Locust Street Dallastown, PA 17313 (480) 433-5658 [email protected]

Trans/South Services, Inc./ Thermo King Eric Rowland Vice President PO Box 1587 Fort Valley, GA 31030 (478) 822-9550 [email protected]

Trans/South Services, Inc./ Thermo King Josh Roberts Sales Manager PO Box 1587 Fort Valley, GA 31030 (478) 822-9550 [email protected]

Transfinder Julie Carrigan National Sales Representative 440 State Street Schenectady, NY 12305 (518) 377-3609 [email protected]

Transfinder Matthew Egan Sales Consultant 440 State Street Schenectady, NY 12305 (518) 377-3609 [email protected]

Transportation Sector Consultants Jason Moyer National Dir of Business Development 210-885 Island Park Drive Charleston, SC 29492 (843) 364-9981 [email protected]

TranSubro, Inc. Mark Rappa Claims Director 3255 Northwest 94th Avenue Coral Springs, FL 33075 (954) 861-7412 [email protected]

Trapeze Software Chris Rotolo Director of Sales, School 1290-1100 Superior Avenue East Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 539-1810 [email protected]

Turbo Diesel & Electric Systems, Inc. John Griffin Account Manager 231 Main Street Forest Park, GA 30297 (404) 361-2222 x 1011 [email protected]

Turbo Diesel & Electric Systems, Inc. Richard Gable Sales Manager 231 Main Street Forest Park, GA 30297 (404) 361-2222 x 1017 [email protected]

Tyler Technologies Ron Gibson Account Representative 5101 Tennyson Parkway Plano, TX 75024 (972) 713-3770 [email protected]

Tyler Technologies Mike Anderson Sales Director 5101 Tennyson Parkway Plano, TX 75024 (972) 713-3770 [email protected]

Unicomp USA Ltd Asenso B. Kuffour Box 1231 Suwannee, GA 30024 (770) 831-0884 [email protected]

Unity School Bus Parts Ed Mastry President/Owner 6221 King Road Marine City, MI 48039 (800) 937-3906 [email protected]

Wallace International Trucks Debra Gilkey General Manager 2761 Edison Avenue Ft. Myers, FL 33916 (239) 334-8712 [email protected]

Wallace International Trucks Ralph Arnieri Parts Sales 2761 Edison Avenue Ft. Myers, FL 33916 (239) 334-1000 [email protected]

Webb Wheel Products Vernon Pruitt Director, Business Development 17101 Retreat Lane Birmingham, AL 35242 (630) 885-8115 [email protected]

Weldon, a division of Akron Brass Pete Luhrs Business Development Manager 3656 Paragon Drive Columbus, OH 43228 (330) 287-7046 [email protected]

Weldon, a division of Akron Brass Mike Franckowiak Segment Development Manager 3656 Paragon Drive Columbus, OH 43228 (330) 287-7046 [email protected]

Zonar Chris Bay Regional Account Manager 18200 Cascade Avenue South Seattle, WA 98188 (206) 878-2459 [email protected]

30 2015 conference

Meet Robert BrownBus-Air Manufacturing is pleased to an-nounce the hiring of Robert Brown as the new installation and quality man-ager for our Tulsa, Okla. facility.Brown brings more than 25 years of successful leadership in the areas of quality, manufacturing engineering and specialty equipment installation in the commercial and school bus indus-try. He started his career in product en-gineering at a major transit bus manu-facturer. He later moved to the school bus industry and managed product

and manufacturing engineering for Thomas Built Buses in Canada.Brown moved to the United States and began working for IC Bus (Navistar). He has held several positions at IC Bus including quality director of manufac-turing engineering/customer service. In the last four years, Brown has been with IC Bus of Oklahoma managing their Bus Specialty Center where they install air conditioning systems and all specialty equipment.The new installation and quality man-

ager has a degree in mechanical en-gineering from Fanshawe College. He lives in Tulsa with his wife, Debbie, and their two daughters.You can reach Brown at our Tulsa office by calling (918) 295-9087 or sending him an email at [email protected] join us in welcoming Brown to the Bus-Air family.

Warm regards,Tony Woods, CEO of Bus-Air Manufacturing.

Bus-Air Manufacturing is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified company that specializes in the design, engineering, manufactur-ing, assembly, installation and support processes for the school bus industry with convenient locations in Rhome, Texas and Tulsa, Okla.

Bus-Air Manufacturing is a fully inte-grated MVAC company with the capabil-ity to design, fabricate, assemble, install, troubleshoot and provide maintenance for all of your buses. Our corporate head-quarters is located in Rhome, Texas, and we also install and maintain MVAC sys-tems in our Tulsa, Okla. facility. The Bus-Air management team has a combined

experience that equates to more than 140 years of manufacturing air-conditioning systems and providing air-conditioning parts to the school bus market.

We maintain the highest level of qual-ity and satisfaction for all the systems we manufacture. Our systems exceed all na-tionwide performance specifications and lead the industry in lowest amperage draw, highest supplied airflow (CFMs) and highest total customer satisfaction.

Our company provides the school bus industry with leading warranty of three years on parts and labor bumper to bum-per, with an additional two years on parts as well as warranty on our evaporator and condenser coils.

Bus-Air Manufacturing systems are best in class, providing the best performance, the easiest installation and the best ser-vice, all while maintaining the best pric-ing in the industry.

Bus-Air Manufacturing is proud of the fact that all of the systems we manufacture are built in the U.S.A.

Bus-Air Manufacturing is your one-stop

shop for all of your MVAC needs. Our knowledgeable staff members are leaders in the industry, equipped with information on parts, installations and more.

Our shipping and receiving depart-ments consist of people that go above and beyond to ensure you get the right part you ordered every time. If you place an order prior 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, your part will ship the same day.

Our parts department can immediately answer any of your MVAC questions. There are no wait times when you call Bus-Air Manufacturing. Please call us today at (800) 473-9914 and let our friendly staff help you. ✱

BUS-AIR MANUFACTURING will consistently provide products and services that meet or exceed the requirements and expectations of our customers. We will actively pursue quality improvements through programs that enable each employee to do their job right the first time and every time.

Bus-air ManuFacturing goes aBove and Beyond


caLLing aLL techniciansBy Glen Enstice

When I first heard about the Florida Association for Pupil Trans-portation’s (FAPT) summer technicians’ workshop, I had just started working for a Florida school district in the mid-1990s as a technician.

Back then, one of my co-workers was invited to attend this workshop – I had no idea what it was. However, I did notice that when this technician returned from the workshop, he was completing the work more quickly and with less complications. Right then and there, I knew that if I was going to make it in this career, I needed to attend the same workshop. That way, I could improve my skills which would lead to more efficiency and better production, making me a better employee in the long run.

Eventually, I was able to attend this workshop, but everyone at my shop was telling me I was wasting my time. They said they did not need anyone to tell them how to work on school buses.

However, when I attended the summer technicians’ workshop, I was quickly introduced to critical information needed to com-plete safe and economical repairs and how to cut down on labor costs. I also picked up tips on getting better service life and more efficient mileage out of the school buses.

I will share a trick that was taught in one of the classes. The lesson was simple: a belt could be replaced on a bus just by the direction the “V” was facing when it was installed. I could not believe this. I have seen many technicians drain radiator water and install a pulley system to remove the harmonic balancer and pulley just to replace a belt, resulting in more than an hour of work.

When I returned to work after attending the summer techni-cians’ workshop, I was replacing this belt in just under 10 min-utes. Once my foreman realized that I was replacing this belt in a short amount of time, thereby reducing labor time and materi-als, he immediately asked where I had learned this new skill. I explained I was taught to do this repair in the summer techni-cians’ workshop. It took only 10 minutes for those who thought the class was not needed to learn of its benefits.

I realized if I was going to improve the safety of the students and benefit the district, I would need to attend as many work-shops as possible. A couple of days later, I was teaching a class in our school district on how to do this repair.

The summer technicians’ workshop is held every year in June. There is extensive training that is given in about one week. There are usually about 110 technicians that attend every year. There are also smaller classes during this training from other manufac-turers that are involved with school buses. This is an excellent time for technicians from all over Florida to meet with other dis-tricts and start a relationship with each other for assisting fellow technicians for years to come.

The technicians’ workshop has a proven record of success since its beginning. Today we are a better workforce because of its existence.

I highly recommend all districts in the state of Florida send their employees to the FAPT’s summer technicians’ workshop to improve safety and reliability, and to cut costs on labor and re-pairs. ✱

Glen Enstice learned many valuable skills at the summer technicians’ workshop.

32 2015 conference

creating Peace oF Mind angeLtrax Leading the curve on student transit surveiLLance and tracking soLutions By Jillian Mitchell

At the core of our basic human needs is the safety of our loved ones – with the safety of our children, at times, trumping self-preservation. Proudly keeping these little angels safe en route to school each day is Alabama-based AngelTrax, a lead-ing designer, manufacturer and provider of in-vehicle mobile surveillance.

It started 15 years ago when Angel-Trax founder Richie Howard developed an electronic system whereby parents could track their children, particularly in highly populated areas such as shopping malls and amusement parks. The elec-tronic wrist-worn unit (aptly named An-gelTrax) would beep if the child strayed further than the predetermined distance. Evidently, the product’s promotion of safe-ty and peace of mind quickly caught on.

Fast-forward to today and AngelTrax is still tracking its angels across America’s school bus fleets – but to greater lengths. In fact, the company has expanded its dedication to security, with AngelTrax’s in-vehicle mobile surveillance products and services available for mass transit, waste

management, law enforcement and loco-motive industries.

To date, the company’s stats are im-pressive. More than 250,000 active sys-tems worldwide; more than $2.5 million spent on research and development each year; and more than 30,000 systems shipped annually with a 1 percent return rate. The company also boasts several U.S. patents.

“Our particular products are quite unique in design,” says Howard. “The QUEST is a hybrid-component-based mobile DVR, which is the most popular school bus system that we sell.”

And while security is a large part of what AngelTrax delivers, Howard says that accountability and accessibility also come with the job.

“Once the sale is made and once it’s installed and training is done, our cus-tomer service has just begun,” he says. “When you call AngelTrax tech support during business hours, the phone will be answered by a person, not a machine, and you will talk with a technician who can help you.”

Given the very nature of their business, Howard says he is adamant about cus-tomer service, adding that when a cus-tomer has an issue, that issue needs to be resolved “that instant, not next Thursday.”

With a full line of mobile wireless track-ing and surveillance systems, DVRs, cam-eras and software, AngelTrax is a one-stop shop with every aspect of its business done in-house, without third-party ven-dors. Accordingly, Howard explains that

the company has recognized the need to develop the “blue ocean strategy” to pur-sue differentiation and reconstruct bound-aries when addressing the industries it serves.

“You have to look at all facets of the business and you want to differentiate yourself. This is what we do, whether it be from a product standpoint, service stand-point [or] being innovative,” he adds.

As is the case in any technologically based business, the need to stay ahead of the curve is paramount to maintaining successful business and relationships with clients. Howard asserts that AngelTrax never ceases its business development and continually looks to the future for in-spiration and innovation.

“It’s a juggling act because technol-ogy changes sometimes in six months. It’s something you stay on top of. If you don’t, you’re going to be in a lot of trouble,” he says. “So at AngelTrax we have a team here and all they do is focus on technol-ogy. And sometimes we may not be the first out with something because we’re go-ing to take just a little different direction to make it better.” ✱

AngelTrax specializes in surveillance.

AngelTraxReliable Digital Mobile

Video Surveillance Solutions

Learn more at angeltrax.com, or call 1.800.673.1788Copyright © 2015 IVS, Inc. dba AngelTrax. All Rights Reserved.

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34 2015 conference

Are there hidden costs to An Aging fleet?By William French

You bet there is! Over the years, many articles and position papers have been

written discussing the impact of aging school bus fleets, address-ing areas from maintenance and replacement costs to operation-al concerns and our carbon footprint. The obvious always stands out typically delving into a few consistent areas – for example, safety. Do aging buses experience any reduced structural integ-rity as a result of bouncing around year after year? Is safety compromised when districts do not take advantage of newer technologies, many of which are driven by safety? Many buses more than 10 years old have been observed with serious cracks in body structure. Older buses may not have many of the safety items found on newer buses.

Then there are maintenance costs. It’s easy to understand that as buses age, more components and parts are subject to failure. Higher dollar items such as engines and transmissions contribute significantly to the bus cost when failure is realized. Often these major component failures occur near the end of an expected life cycle, so the repair may result in costing more than the vehicle is worth. However, not repairing it results in loss of the asset and little recovery when sold at auction.

So where are the hidden costs? With the advancement of school bus technology and significant recurring changes in en-gine technology, having technicians remain current with technol-ogy is a real challenge, not to mention costly. Incremental emis-sion changes mandated by the EPA has left engine manufacturers scrambling and, unfortunately, some technicians unable to keep up with ongoing changes.

Over the past several years, school bus manufacturers have integrated many of the technologies used in the automobiles fur-ther complicating diagnostics, service and repairs, and with most school districts relying on the bus dealers to perform work while the bus is under warranty, few technicians have had enough hands-on experience with some technologies to be proficient with diagnostics.

If we fail to provide comprehensive, ongoing training to our technicians, we cannot expect them to work on complicated sys-tems or to do so efficiently. The right tools and equipment must complement the training to assist the technician in achieving accurate diagnostics. With engine sensors running into the hun-dreds of dollars, emission and after-treatment components in the thousands of dollars, efficient and accurate diagnostics is crucial to operating an efficient fleet maintenance program as the buses age.

The only option to having trained and qualified staff in your shops is to contract your repairs to an outside firm where you are at their mercy with repair cost and down time. With most labor rates exceeding $100 per hour, repair bills mount quickly and sub buses must be available to accommodate down time beyond your control, further escalating bus fleet costs.

Therefore, when reviewing your bus replacement practices, evaluating fleet costs or looking at factors affecting the operation, be sure to consider all aspects of maintenance practices. Yes, all fleets cost more as they age and you have a choice to make in terms of how the aging is addressed. Are you prepared to meet the challenge and face technology in your bus shops? ✱

Things can fall apart when buses age.


saFety in Motione-Z-on Products, inc. oF FLorida® augMenting Passenger saFety on PuPiL transitBy Jillian Mitchell

Motor vehicle accidents have consis-tently been ranked the number-one cause of fatal injury for children and young adults. Creating peace of mind for this demographic and their families is E-Z-ON PRODUCTS, INC. of FLORIDA®, an innovative company out of Jupiter, Fla., specializing in pupil transit safety.

For company president Constance Mur-ray, safety is the guiding principle behind all company endeavors. As such, every E-Z-ON® product, whether manufactured or

distributed by the company, is designed to meet FMVSS213 – Standard: 213, whereby it’s repeatedly crash-tested for maximum safety.

“We get a problem, and my job is to solve it,” Murray says, humbly. “We don’t do anything fancy; we just do.”

E-Z-ON®’s Kid-YC Harness (model #43-YC) is a popular product amid the pupil transit sector. Customized for kids up to 100 pounds, the tethered double-shoulder harness easily connects to the vehicle’s existing seatbelt system through loops on each shoulder strap and then to the crotch strap. The wearer’s upper torso is kept upright against the seat, while lightweight spring adjusters located on the harness allow for utmost comfort.

The Kid-YC Harness features durable and narrow (one-and-a-half inches) shoul-der straps made with polyester webbing, which prohibits twisting and “roping.” Two-inch webbing is also available for older children and adults. An added perk, the lap and shoulder belt can be used with a locking clip and a booster in a family vehicle or bus.

“It’s been around for a while and it works very well,” Murray says of the product.

Another notable product offered through E-Z-ON® is the MAX Vest – the company even promotes it as “Houdini-proof.” The easy-locking seat buckle, adjustable zipper fitting and below-seat safety hook are just a few of its perks. Tested with extreme conditions, the vest

continually exceeds any expectation of performance and is popular among Head Start, special needs and the school trans-portation industry.

Murray’s previous training as a regis-tered nurse (RN) in orthopedic surgery well-complemented her transition to E-Z-ON® in 1981. Out of the operating room and into the office, the longtime owner can attest to much success with the company before becoming its president in 1986, and then 100-percent owner in 1994.

“It was a niche for me,” Murray says of the transition. “Orthopedic surgery helps a lot. Somebody guided me into [the pupil transit safety] direction and I just got into it. I started on-the-job training, designing products and learned about office proce-dure. Some 30 years later, I’m still design-ing and selling products.”

Gaining in popularity is E-Z-ON PROD-UCTS, INC. of FLORIDA®’s custom divi-sion, which is something that makes Mur-ray proud.

“Each child has an individual need, es-pecially for special needs, so we make a product with the certified materials to fit that child’s need and keep them safe,” she says. “We make our products fit them.”

For more information, please visit the official E-Z-ON PRODUCTS, INC. of FLORIDA® website: www.ezonpro.com. ✱

Safety is the number-one priority at E-Z ON PRODUCTS, INC. of FLORIDA®.

36 2015 conference

streaMLining the coMPetitive Bidding Process For FLorida schooL districts

Across the United States, school districts are being required to do more with less. Districts within the state of Florida are no excep-tion.

One area in particular where many school districts find them-selves stretched to the limit is in the procurement of products and services. The competitive bidding process is no easy task, and the costs and time associated with this process can be especially daunting when budgets and resources are tight.

To help alleviate the strain placed on school districts by the competitive bidding process, The Cooperative Purchasing Net-work (TCPN), a national government purchasing cooperative, has established contracts with local, regional and national ven-dors to assist school districts and government entities with making compliant purchases of commonly used products and services at a valued rate.

TCPN’s lead agency, Region 4 Education Service Center (ECS), was established in 1967 by the state of Texas under Chap-ter 8 of the Texas Education Code. Region 4 ECS is responsible for evaluating and awarding all competitively bid TCPN con-tracts. The agency also works with educators to deliver innova-tive and creative solutions that help school districts operate more efficiently and effectively. These solutions span every facet of education, from classroom and curriculum development to opera-tions, including food service, pupil transportation, maintenance, construction and budgeting.

Among the key benefits afforded by TCPN is its strength in numbers – school districts benefit from the buying power of more

than 37,000 entities who actively utilize at least one TCPN con-tract, and ultimately pay less for products and services, while reducing their administrative costs. With TCPN, school districts can also benefit from:• Contracts that are written with painstaking care, ensuring maxi-

mum value and absolute security;• A contract process developed by experienced government pur-

chasing professionals and procurement law attorneys;• Contracts that are actively monitored through third-party com-

pliance reviews; and• ISO 9001:2008 certification for bid process consistency.

A significant portion of TCPN’s revenue goes back into educa-tion and education initiatives.

aLc and tcPnRecently, American Logistics Company (ALC) was awarded

a national transportation contract with TCPN. Through this con-tract, ALC can now provide school districts within the state of Flor-ida, and throughout the United States, with Alternative Student Transportation services, including McKinney-Vento, ESE/special needs, out-of-district students, hard-to-serve and multi-district trips.

To leverage ALC’s national contract with TCPN, Florida school districts must be a member of TCPN, and membership status can be verified by calling (888) 884-7695. If the school district is not a member of TCPN, online registration is available at www.tcpn.org. Once membership has been confirmed by TCPN, a school district can contact an ALC representative for more details at (866) 999-3371. To contract with ALC, member school dis-tricts need only submit a purchase order, referencing ALC’s TCPN contract number, R141501 and stating “Per TCPN Contract.”

For more information, visit www.ALCSchools.com/TCPN or www.tcpn.org.

the aLc differenceALC’s focus is on fulfilling school districts’ special transporta-


tion needs through the delivery of safe, reliable and high-quality alternative student transportation services. ALC is the only pu-pil transportation solutions company to be designated a recom-mended service by the National Association for Pupil Transporta-tion (NAPT).

In addition to reducing costs and increasing the efficiency of student transportation programs, districts that partner with ALC can reap the following benefits:• Same driver every day. Consistency is important to your

students and it’s important to ALC. Our solution, which offers the same driver every day, enhances communication with par-ents and increases the comfort level of the students. The result is students spend more days in the classroom, providing them and their parents stability, familiarity, security and trust.

• Real-time accountability. ALC is able to confirm, by the use of GPS, the time and locations of each of student’s trip events. Knowing where your students are and when they’ve arrived provides an additional level of comfort and safety.

• Matching each student to the right vehicle. Whether it’s an SUV, minivan, wheelchair-accessible minivan or sedan, ALC’s solution is uniquely customized to meet the specific needs of your students. ALC ensures that each assigned vehicle best

matches the needs of each student. Our model first assesses the needs of the student and then matches them with the ap-propriate vehicle.

• Parent/guardian meeting. Prior to students being picked up for the first time, their parent/guardian will have the oppor-tunity to meet with an ALC representative to discuss all aspects of the student’s transportation needs. These parent/guardian meetings allow ALC to cultivate relationships with students and their families. Also, ALC has developed a student transporta-tion guide which provides an overview of what parents/guard-ians can expect from ALC.

serving school districts in Florida and nationwide

ALC currently works with more than 100 school districts across the United States, several of which are located within the state of Florida, including Broward, Escambia, Manatee, Palm Beach, Orange County, St. Lucie, Polk, Hillsborough and Miami-Dade.

To learn more about the ALC model for alternative transportation needs, please visit www.ALCSchools.com, or contact them at [email protected]. ✱

Serving Districts’Transportation Needs

• McKinney-Vento

• Students with Special Needs

• Hard-to-Serve Trips

• Out-of-District

• Multi-District Coordination

www.ALCSchools.com

©2014 American Logistics Company. All Rights Reserved.

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14ALC 005 FL School Bus Art_r2.pdf 1 4/15/14 8:22 AM

38 2015 conference

aMerican cooLing technoLogy exPands rooFtoP Product Line

American Cooling Technology (ACT) has released its newest rooftop air-conditioning system, the RTS-90. The RTS-90 rooftop AC unit is available in a capacity up 90,000 Btu/hr. IMACA. It complements the RTS-75 rooftop unit which has a capacity of up to 75,000 Btu/hr. IMACA.

In addition to two cooling capacities, the RTS-75 is also avail-able with optioning heating coils. Both the RTS-75 and high-ca-pacity RTS-90 units can be supplied with digital drivers’ display with AC system diagnostics and are available with a 12-volt or 24-volt electrical system.

The RTS-75 and RTS-90 can be used as a single AC unit on small- and mid-size buses and as dual units on full-size buses.

ACT developed the RTS-75 and RTS-90 models by benchmark-ing existing similar rooftop units and using feedback from custom-ers who stated what they liked about their existing rooftop units and what improvements they would like to see in a new small bus rooftop unit.

By locating the AC condenser or complete rooftop unit on the roof of the bus from the typical position under the bus floor, the capacity and operating efficiency of the air-conditioning system improves because the system uses cleaner and cooler air from the top of the bus through the AC systems’ heat exchanger.

With the coils located on the roof of the bus away from road dust dirt and debris, the maintenance interval for cleaning the

ACT keeps buses cool.


cooling is extended saving time and labor for fleet personnel.With the addition of the RTS-75 and RTS-90 rooftop units, ACT

can now offer a full range of AC systems with rooftop options from the two-fan CR-2 condenser to the full-size AC353-G4 roof-top systems.

American Cooling Technology (ACT) designs, manufactures, and supports a complete line of advanced bus air condition-ing systems for the transportation industry, including systems for school, commercial, shuttle, transit and para-transit buses. ACT’s HVAC systems are available for both conventional and hybrid

drive vehicles. In addition to a complete bus AC product line, ACT offers its customers specification support, product testing, service parts and on-site product training services. The company is well-known throughout the industry for its advanced product design, its excellent customer technical service and the on-time delivery of a quality product.

For additional information, please contact American Cooling technology at (717) 767-2775 or contact your nearest ACT distributor by visiting our website at www.actusa.us.com. ✱

www.actusa.us.com | Toll Free: 877.228.4247American Cooling Technology offers air conditioning and heating products for any size or type of bus.

ACT RTS-75 Rooftop A/CLightweight Rugged Aluminum FrameLow Profile 6” Total HeightAttractive UV Resistant TPO CoverUnequalled Heat Rejection

Enhanced AirflowEasy Installation and Filter AccessLightweight Aluminum ChassisStrong ABS Cover

ACT EV-2 In Wall Evaporator

Lightweight, Rugged, Low ProfileAttractive Durable TPO CoverAvailable in 12- and 24-volt ModelsEasy to Install and Service

ACT CR-2 Roof Mounted CondenserTRAININGSERVICEPARTSSYSTEMS

Bus HVAC Solutions

40 2015 conference

neW identity, saMe quaLity assurance

This acquisition combines the expertise of two forward-thinking companies of-fering the most broad and advanced in design air-conditioning products to the school bus industry.

Spheros North America offers an out-standing array of rooftop HVAC products to the market. Combined with ACC’s split

system designs, the ACC/Spheros acqui-sition offers the best product and customer support for your student transportation needs.

As the only HVAC manufacturer with company-owned installation facilities in Fort Valley, Ga., High Point, N.C., and Tulsa, Okla., ACC/Spheros raises the standards for installation quality assur-ance.

For more information, visit www.accclimatecontrol.com. ✱

On Feb. 1, 2015, ACC Climate Control, Inc. was acquired by Spheros Climate Systems of Gilching, Germany.

As a result of the acquisition, ACC Cli-mate Control and Spheros North Amer-ica, Inc. – which is located in Canton, Mich. – have merged to become ACC Climate Control, A Spheros Company.

ACC Climate Control, Inc. was acquired by Spheros Climate Systems of Gilching, Germany in February.


sunshine cLean

Florida’s rapid pace of alternative fuel vehicle deployments is starting to rival some of their more established western states colleagues.

Transit agencies, trolley operators, freight delivery trucks, beverage delivery trucks, taxi operators, tractor trailers, airport shuttles and more have put alternative fuel-powered equipment into their routine fleet operations. Among these, one of the quick-est sectors to introduce new fuel technologies is the pupil trans-portation sector with the overwhelming acceptance of propane autogas school buses. With the proven cost per mile savings, ease of infrastructure development, exceptional vehicle support and the overall versatility of autogas fuel, this is a trend that has become the norm instead of just being trendy.

Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech have proven the feasibil-ity and value of propane autogas school buses by delivering millions of miles of validated success. Numerous districts have documented their fuel and service efficiencies to show cost sav-ings even over current generation diesel products. Districts have reported achieving gains in excess of $0.37 per mile – adding up to significant annual savings from a department that may have previously performed in the red instead of adding to the bottom line.

Alternative fuels infrastructure has been seen as the major ob-stacle to alternative fuel vehicle adoption in the past. However, fleets all over the world are seeing that adding propane autogas infrastructure can be easier in many cases than adding tradition-al petroleum fuels. On-site fueling is easily attainable. Many fuel suppliers will provide dispensing systems for little or no upfront costs and most fueling systems can integrate with existing fuel management configurations. And since propane is safe, non-toxic and non-corrosive, the regulations applicable to installation

are minimal when compared to diesel or gasoline. Incentives and grant dollars are also still available to offset any potential capital costs of installation.

Warranties and round-the-clock support provide the confi-dence in maintaining vehicle uptime and dependability. With the Blue Bird/ROUSH CleanTech product, end users still enjoy a full five-year, unlimited mile warranty with every new bus. There are hundreds of nationwide service centers and more than a dozen in Florida, so customers have no problem receiving sup-port for their Blue Bird propane buses. Sunshine state customers also have mobile Ford and ROUSH certified technicians avail-able through Florida Transportation Systems. Simply put, the Ford/Blue Bird/ROUSH CleanTech partnership is unparalleled in established and proven support.

Propane autogas’s versatility is another reason for fleet accep-tance. While the big yellow buses tend to get noticed the most, the white fleet can also benefit with the less expensive domestic fuel. Service trucks, vans and company vehicles can all utilize the new fuel expanding the footprint and commitment to green-ing the fleet.

Florida’s rapid adoption of both private and public sector alternative fuel vehicles reinforces the proven success of these offerings. Blue Bird has a remarkable record of industry-leading milestones in the alternative fuel arena of pupil transportation. With more than 6,000 buses running the road in virtually every state, propane autogas is truly a proven technology for school bus transportation. The time to give propane autogas serious consideration is now given the hundreds of documented cases of operational success and propane continuing to be significant-ly cheaper at the pump. Let us know how we can help you make a positive return on your transportation investment. ✱

42 2015 conference

Meet the neW ic Bus deaLer in FLorida

Sun State Bus Centers is excited to be the newest addition to the IC Bus dealer family.

Sun State Bus Centers, whose headquarters is in Tampa, Fla., is comprised of Florida and Alabama International Truck dealer-ships that now sell and service IC Bus. As International Truck dealerships, all of our locations have great history and relation-ships with our truck customers, and we are looking forward to continuing to provide the state of Florida with exceptional cus-tomer service and support as a bus dealer. With 17 dealership locations, six mobile service units, more than 50 parts delivery vehicles, and 250 service bays throughout Florida, we are here for all of the state’s school bus needs.

are we there yet?When IC Bus staff members think about answering that ques-

tion, they think about the kids that get on and off their buses each

day. They think about their responsibility as a leader to them and to the future they represent. They think about the importance of building better buses every day to create greater accessibility. IC Bus designs buses to ensure they stay on the road longer and keep our children safe.

IC Bus has made many improvements to its vehicles and service support, to improve the customer experience, such as the three-piece windshield that maximizes visibility, the ergonomic driver’s seat cockpit which places frequently used controls within easy reach for the driver and the wider entry door which makes getting on and off the bus easy and accident-free.

Both Sun State Bus Centers and IC Bus understand that man-aging an entire fleet of school buses can be difficult, so the two companies are committed to providing the tools and resources to help our customers operate as efficiently as possible. With our On-Command Connection remote diagnostic system, you can monitor your fleet through a single portal. This offers real-time, comprehen-sive fleet management and quicker repairs. It also helps prevent breakdowns. The OnCommand Parts Information system allows you to locate and order parts quickly and easily for your IC Buses.

IC Bus is North America’s leading school bus manufacturer with a large selection of engines to meet your needs, including the Cummins ISB 6.7L engine and the new CE Series powered by propane. IC Bus thinks about the importance of building better buses every day to create greater accessibility and opportunity for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.sunstatebuscenters.com or call (813) 621-1331. ✱

Sun State Bus Centers is the newest addition to the IC Bus dealer family.

Ph 800.330.1175www.matthewsbusesfl.com

florida school bus spring 2015

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