By Rick Mullen,
Busline Magazine Associate Editor

The following import/export categories include motor buses, coaches, trolley buses and gyrobuses.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, U.S. Census Bureau trade figures for August 2020 indicated vehicle imports were down in five categories outlined, compared to August 2019. For the first eight months of 2020, vehicles imports were down in seven categories, compared to the first eight months of 2019.

The United States imported 156 vehicles in August 2020, down 34 percent from 237 vehicles for August 2019. For the first eight months of 2020, the United States imported 1,001 vehicles, down 44 percent from 1,778 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

Canada sent 754 vehicles to the United States during the first eight months of 2020, while Mexico shipped 146 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $229,472.19, down 24 percent from $302,354.26 for August 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first eight months of 2020 was $287,743.24, down 10 percent from $319,136.74 for the first eight months of 2019.

8702106100 Public-Transport Passenger Vehicles For Transport Of 10 Or More Persons With Only Comp-Ign Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel), Other

The United States received four vehicles in August 2020, compared to 20 in August 2019. For the first eight months of 2020, the United States imported 112 vehicles, compared to 1,176 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

The United States imported 101 vehicles from Germany during the first eight months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle in August 2020 was $213,524.50, compared to $41,416.80 for August 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first eight months of 2020 was $71,398.72, up 71 percent from $41,758.61 for the first eight months of 2019.

The United States imported 23 vehicles in this category during August 2020, up 64 percent from 14 for August 2019. During the first eight months of 2020, 137 vehicles were imported, down 26 percent from 184 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

All the vehicles were imported from Canada, during the first eight months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $245,005, up 2 percent from $240,184 for August 2019. The average price for the first eight months of 2020 was $246,558.15, up 8 percent from $229,324.53 for the first eight months of 2019.

The United States imported two vehicles during August 2020. No vehicles were imported in August 2019. Six vehicles were imported during the first eight months of 2020, compared to two vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

Canada sent three vehicles, while Italy exported two vehicles and Mexico one vehicle.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $4,936.

The average price per vehicle for the first eight months of 2020 was $113,206.50, compared to $15,200 for the first eight months of 2019.

The United States imported one vehicle in this category during August 2020 from the United Kingdom at a price of $7,984. No vehicles were imported in August 2019. Two vehicles were imported during the first eight months of 2020 from the United Kingdom at an average price of $8,170.50. No vehicles were imported during the first eight months of 2019.

The United States imported 14 vehicles during August 2020, down 78 percent from 65 vehicles for August 2019. During the first eight months of 2020, 105 vehicles were received, down 72 percent from 372 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

China shipped 55 vehicles during the first eight months of 2020, while Canada sent 45 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $451,457.36, compared to $81,611.98 for August 2019. The average price for the first eight months of 2020 was $159,870.19, up 39 percent from $115,409.58 for the first eight months of 2019.

The United States imported no vehicles during August 2020, compared to 17 vehicles for August 2019. During the first eight months of 2020, 62 vehicles were imported, down 34 percent from 94 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

China sent all of the vehicles during the first eight months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for the first eight months of 2020 was $9,598.18, up 15 percent from $8,342.16 for the first eight months of 2019.

The United States imported 188 vehicles during August 2020, down 28 percent from 262 vehicles for August 2019. During the first eight months of 2020, 964 vehicles were received, down 12 percent from 1,096 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

Canada sent 959 vehicles to the United States during the first eight months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $55,597.55, down 32 percent from $81,758.25 for August 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first eight months of 2020 was $90,742.30, up 19 percent from $76,496.02 for the first eight months of 2019.

The United States imported 95 vehicles during August 2020, up 56 percent from 61 vehicles for August 2019. During the first eight months of 2020, 434 vehicles were received, down 55 percent from 973 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

Canada sent 300 vehicles to the United States during the first eight months of 2020, while Germany exported 105 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $44,022.95, down 3 percent from $45,215.11 for August 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first eight months of 2020 was $44,252.24, up 5 percent from $42,112.26 for the first eight months of 2019.

EXPORTS

Export totals for August 2020 were down in all four categories, compared to August 2019. For the first eight months of 2020, two categories reported increases, compared to the first eight months of 2019.

The United States exported 859 vehicles during August 2020, down 21 percent from 1,092 vehicles exported in August 2019. During the first eight months of 2020, 4,701 vehicles were sent, down 12 percent from 5,320 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

Canada received 2,735 vehicles during the first eight months of 2020, while Mexico imported 1,454.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $82,007.43, up 12 percent from $73,420.10 for August 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first eight months of 2020 was $72,341.92, up 4 percent from $69,256.71 for the first eight months of 2019.

8702200000 Public-Transport Vehicles With Both Compression-Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine (Diesel Or Semi-Diesel) & Electric Motor

The United States shipped 12 vehicles in August 2020, down 48 percent from 23 vehicles for August 2019. During the first eight months of 2020, 211 vehicles were exported, compared to 2,154 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

Canada received 91 vehicles during the first eight months of 2020, while Nigeria imported 49 vehicles, and Mexico 34 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $10,550, down 1 percent from $10,623.35 for August 2019. The average price for the first eight months of 2020 was $41,076.71, up 48 percent from $27,790.87 for the first eight months of 2019.

The United States exported 18 vehicles in August 2020, down 44 percent from 32 vehicles for August 2019. During the first eight months of 2020, 334 vehicles were sent, up 50 percent from 223 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

Mexico received 220 vehicles during the first half 2020.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $22,683.17, down 7 percent from $24,505.06 for August 2019. The average price for the first eight months of 2020 was $30,933.31, down 1 percent from $31,314.65 for the first eight months of 2019.

8702400000 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Only Electric Motor For Propulsion

The United States shipped 26 vehicles in August 2020, compared to 264 vehicles for August 2019. During the first eight months of 2020, 1,388 vehicles were exported, compared to 668 vehicles for the first eight months of 2019.

Canada received 1,367 vehicles during the first eight months of 2020.

The average price per vehicle for August 2020 was $28,312.23, down 7 percent from $30,503.23 for August 2019. The average price per vehicle for the first eight months of 2020 was $35,632.02, up 19 percent from $30,042.60 for the first eight months of 2019.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

New Marathon Air Disc Brake Pads 100 Percent Copper-Free With New Lower Price

Marathon Brake Systems has introduced new 100 percent copper-free formulations for its DiscStar family of air disc brake pads.

“Marathon's DiscStar Air Disc Pads are now N-rated, and in complete compliance with applicable state and federal regulations as part of the Copper-Free Brake Initiative. In conjunction with the new pad formulations, Marathon has lowered the price for all DiscStar pads, which are available through Marathon’s distribution partners, as well as online from the Marathon website,” according to the company.

“Marathon introduced its first air disc pad for transit applications in 2003, and DiscStar air disc pads now are proven performers in a wide variety of heavy duty commercial vehicle applications. DiscStar Transit Premium & Severe Service Pads (DSTP) are specifically designed to address heavy-duty severe service applications, including transit buses, fire trucks, refuse and concrete. DiscStar Highway Premium Pads (DSHP) are formulated for on-highway commercial applications, including truck, motor coach and school bus.

“Air disc pads are engineered to exceed OE specifications and manufactured in Marathon’s World Class ISO certified plants. These pads are formulated using Marathon’s years of friction expertise to deliver the longest pad and rotor life with low noise and the industry’s dependable topping power. In addition, Marathon has developed a proven, reliable attachment method to ensure a high mechanical bond between the friction material and the steel backing plate to prevent the common problem of shearing the pad from its backing plate.”

Marathon Brake Systems has been serving the industry for more than 25 years. Marathon offers a family of friction materials, with brake linings for general over-the-road and transit applications. All Marathon products come with the Best-In-Class guarantee.

Marathon's aftermarket linings are manufactured in ISO-certified facilities, meeting or exceeding the highest global standards. With a fill rate of over 95 percent, Marathon ships products within a day or two of receipt of order. In addition, an experienced support team is available to help find the right solution for brake or friction issues.

Thermo King Launches Cold Storage Solutions To Support COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Portfolio Now Includes Ultra-Low Temperature Solutions To Meet Emerging Needs Of Pharmaceutical Customers

Thermo King, by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, has expanded its portfolio of temporary storage solutions that can meet the unique requirements of global pharmaceutical companies developing COVID-19 vaccines. Thermo King offers intelligent end-to-end temperature-controlled cold chain solutions.

Pharmaceutical companies in final-stage clinical trials anticipate they will require strict temperature controls to safeguard their products – down to temperatures as low as -70 degrees celsius. Thermo King’s solutions can enable these companies and their distributors to ensure the efficacy of their products through the entire cold chain – from air transport to marine, rail, trailer, last-mile delivery and at storage points along the way.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 20 percent of temperature-sensitive health care products are damaged during transport, and 25 percent of vaccines reach their destination in a degraded state due to breaks in the cold chain.

“Considering the urgent, global need for a COVID-19 vaccine, the world can’t afford breaks in the cold chain,” said Dave Regnery, president and chief operating officer of Trane Technologies. “Our new Cold Storage Solutions can maintain temperatures of -70 degrees celsius for an extended period of time, can be leveraged to help reduce degradation of a vaccination, and most importantly, could prevent vaccine ‘deserts’ or lack of accessibility.”

Thermo King and its worldwide partners can offer temporary storage solutions that maintain a set point down to -70 degrees celsius, and can ensure end-to-end temperature control, security and traceability through state-of-the-art telematics. Additional storage solutions include refrigerated trailers, containers and portable cubes that can easily be scaled and repositioned to other locations as demand changes.

In addition to launching Cold Storage Solutions, Thermo King has helped customers identify ways to maximize the range of dry ice, which is often used in vaccine transport and storage but has certain limitations. A container using dry ice to keep a product frozen may require re-icing if it sits for an extended length of time or is exposed to extreme ambient weather. Thermo King offers storage solutions that can substantially extend the life of dry ice, or eliminate the need altogether.

“We have been engaging pharmaceutical and transport companies, policymakers, regulators and other industry partners to discuss ways to strengthen the cold chain,” said Regnery. “We know that we can help mitigate risk – we have a long history in cold chain expertise, and are actively working to innovate and address the complexities and potential challenges of the mass distribution of a temperature-sensitive vaccine.”

For more information, visit www.thermoking.com or www.tranetechnologies.com.

Fort Worth’s Trinity Metro Creates Campaign To Relieve Fears Of Using Public Transportation

“Fort Worth’s public transit system, Trinity Metro, and its agency of record, J.O. Agency, created an integrated campaign to tackle any concerns about riding public transportation during the pandemic. The upbeat campaign featured video and digital advertising – all done with volunteer principals and extras, including staff, a creative promotional twist and a strategic media buy. The objective was to increase ridership while building customer trust,” according to a press release.

“Because of the pandemic, Trinity Metro experienced the same declines in ridership as other systems across the country. Recognizing how essential the service is, Trinity Metro began putting in place the necessary protocols to ensure the safety of both passengers and employees.

“From enhanced cleaning to social distancing to implementing a face-mask policy, all safety measures were designed to help reduce the spread of the virus. The marketing challenge was to reassure prospective riders that using the service was safe.”

J.O. Agency said it saw an opportunity to communicate the changes to consumers in a reassuring yet light-hearted way. To put riders at ease about returning to public transit, it developed the, “We Got You!” campaign. Advertising features staff and passengers in colorful face masks following the protocols while interacting and dancing to upbeat music.

According to J.O. Agency, a recent global survey of 35,000 conducted by Kantar shows that consumers want brands to use a reassuring tone, offer a positive perspective and communicate brand values. More than 50 percent also think brands should talk as they have always done, while 50 percent think companies should talk about their brand in a carefree and light way. These statistics align with the team’s decision to reinforce the light-hearted brand tone previously set for Trinity Metro and to focus on the positive.

Video and photo shoots included all Trinity Metro service lines: buses and commuter rail lines, The Dash and ZIPZONE, Trinity Metro’s new first-mile/last-mile solution.

The “We Got You!” media campaign includes cable television, Hulu, digital advertising, print publications, YouTube video, social media, email, and audio streaming on Pandora and Spotify. All rides were free for the first six weeks of the campaign.

The campaign has delivered over 20 million impressions and the combined ridership of buses, Trinity Railway Express, TEXRail and The Dash increased 10.6 percent between May and August.

GO Riteway Wins University Of Wisconsin-Madison Contract

Pictured above, one of the many GO Riteway shuttle buses servicing the University
of Wisconsin-Madison campus as part of a new agreement with the school.

“GO Riteway Transportation Group continues to build on its relationship with the University of Wisconsin-Madison by acquiring the service of a wide range of shuttling programs designed to move students efficiently on and around the campus.

“Just before the school year, three crucial transportation programs at UW-Madison were put into place including Park & Ride shuttles, the circulatory-accessible campus shuttle and ‘trailer’ buses to follow specific Madison Metro Transit bus routes to accommodate social-distancing. GO Riteway has also been approved for student group and UW Badgers athletic team transportation,” said the company.

“As long-time supporters of UW-Madison, we’re excited for this partnership,” said Ronald R. Bast, chairman of GO Riteway. “We look forward to building new relationships and becoming an integral part of student life.”

Shuttle programs have become an important part of GO Riteway’s transportation services. In addition to many universities, it’s working with large companies and regional medical centers that share common goals of reducing campus congestion, improving environmental sustainability and enhancing safety and reliability for riders.

“Our expertise in providing a wide-range of shuttle services ensures we provide superior ‘people- moving’ solutions,” GO Riteway President Bob Zanotti said. “Our team’s flexible and collaborative approach ensures the right routes, vehicles and drivers are brought together for reliable and stress-free transportation.”

According to the company, GO Riteway was started on the Bast family kitchen table in Germantown, WI, and has grown to 1,600 employees in over 25 locations, with a fleet of 1,400 vehicles that includes school buses, motorcoaches, shuttle coaches, limo coaches, executive sedans and vans servicing the entire country. Despite the company’s growth, officials say it takes pride in retaining the considerate family culture and core values of safety, teamwork and integrity.

APTA Names JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. 2020 Outstanding Public Transportation Manager

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) named Jacksonville (FL) Transportation Authority (JTA) CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., Outstanding Public Transportation Manager For 2020.

The APTA Awards program recognizes excellence in the public transportation industry in North America.

“This is a tremendous honor, and one I accept on behalf of the nearly 800 JTA employees who continue to keep Jacksonville moving in the face of unprecedented circumstances,” said Ford. “The support and recognition from my peers is a sign that the JTA is headed in the right direction, and is motivated to continue expanding mobility for our citizens.”

Ford, who joined the JTA in late 2012, was honored along with 13 individual and agency winners during APTA’s TRANScend virtual meeting October 21-22, 2020, and he will be formally honored at a ceremony during APTA’s 2021 TRANSform Conference & EXPO in Anaheim, CA, scheduled for March 14-17, 2021.

“Through Ford’s vision, the JTA designed, built and opened the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center at LaVilla or JRTC. This multimodal hub is the first of its kind in northeast Florida, unifying traditional and bus rapid transit routes, the Skyway, shared mobility services, paratransit services, and intercity services such as Greyhound, RedCoach and Megabus in one shared facility in the historic LaVilla neighborhood,” according to a press release.

“Under Ford’s leadership, the JTA, in 2014, also completed the first major overhaul to its fixed-route bus operations in nearly three decades through the Route Optimization Initiative or ROI. This accomplishment streamlined bus routes, increased frequencies and added capacity for customers.

“Ford also successfully initiated the build-out of the First Coast Flyer Bus Rapid Transit network, the largest BRT system in the southeastern United States. Since 2016, the JTA has completed three BRT routes. The fourth and final BRT route will open in 2021.

“Ford’s vision to enhance mobility for all northeast Florida has also been a priority as the JTA continues to grow, helping customers in Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties travel with paratransit, commuter shuttles and other on-demand transportation options.

“Ford has reinvigorated JTA’s historic role as a road builder in Duval County through the successful JTA Mobility Works program that began in 2016, and includes 13 major road projects and improvements to 14 mobility corridors.”

JTA also said that through the Ultimate Urban Circulator or U2C program, Ford is leading an initiative to refresh the Skyway APM system in downtown Jacksonville. The U2C will convert and expand the current system into a 10-mile transportation network powered by autonomous vehicles and related technology.

Ford is also using innovation in transportation to assist with the elimination of food deserts with the Door To Store program, a partnership with the city of Jacksonville, and by maximizing the utilization of vacant land for transit-oriented development.

Moving into his eighth year as CEO in Jacksonville, Ford has made civic and community engagement a priority. Under his leadership, the JTA Cares initiative has embraced causes to support the Clara White Mission, sponsoring a cohort of formerly homeless individuals through graduation training as line cooks. Through a partnership with Sulzbacher, the JTA Cares team has established Career Closets for men and women, which provides free professional clothing for those seeking new employment or job interviews.

He also encourages employees to give back through annual giving campaigns and community service.

In addition to this honor, Ford has received numerous awards for his transformational programs and initiatives, including the White House Champion of Change. He was named “Ultimate CEO” by the Jacksonville Business Journal, inducted into the First Coast Business Hall of Fame and was honored with the 2019 “Thought Leader” Award by The Eno Center for Transportation. Under Ford’s leadership, the JTA was recognized as the winner of the 2016 APTA Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award. Ford has also been recognized for his service to the community by the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP, the Jacksonville Urban League, and the Small Business Development Award from the University of North Florida, among others.

Before arriving in Jacksonville in 2012, Ford served as the CEO of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Prior to that, he served as CEO and general manager of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). His career spans nearly four decades and includes leadership roles at the Bay Area Rapid Transit Authority (BART), and New York MTA.

For more info, visit www.jtafla.com.

Laketran Celebrates 25 Years Serving Lake County, OH, Veterans, Offers Free Rides On Veterans Day

Laketran Driver Mike Clavin is pictured with U.S. Army
veteran Mark Sweeney returning from the VA clinic in Willoughby.

For 25 years, Laketran has operated a special Veterans Medical Transportation service, in partnership with Lake County Veterans Service Commission and Lake County Board of Commissioners.

The program guarantees Lake County veterans have access to Veteran Affairs (VA) appointments, health care and adult daycare centers by providing free door-to-door transportation to veterans and their spouses. Veterans can travel to any medical facility in Lake County and to Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals in University Circle.

The transportation program has grown to provide over 10,000 medical trips annually.

Veterans must register with the Veterans Service Commission to be eligible for the free transportation.

“This longstanding partnership works very well for our veterans,” said Lake County’s Executive Director/Senior Veterans Service Officer in Charge Jonathan Warmeling. “We have many veterans who rely on receiving care from the VA hospital downtown, the VA Outpatient Clinic in Willoughby, and other medical appointments throughout Lake County. This not only benefits our veterans, but it provides relief to them and their families knowing they can get excellent transportation to the care they need when they need it.”

In addition to its medical transportation, Laketran will be offering free rides to veterans on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. Laketran customers who are veterans simply need to inform the bus driver that they are a veteran, when they board the bus, and the trip will be free.