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 September 2021 indicated vehicle imports were up in five categories outlined, compared to September 2020. For the first nine months of 2021, vehicles imports were mixed in six categories, compared to the first nine months of 2020.

The United States imported 54 vehicles in September 2021, down 52 percent from 112 vehicles for September 2020. For the first nine months of 2021, the United States imported 797 vehicles, down 28 percent from 1,113 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

Canada sent 729 vehicles to the United States during the first nine months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $379,151, up 43 percent from $264,298 for September 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2021 was $308,852, up 8 percent from $285,384 for the first nine months of 2020.

The United States received 12 vehicles in September 2021, compared to 19 vehicles during September 2020. For the first nine months of 2021, the United States imported 31 vehicles, down from 76 percent from 131 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

The United States imported 27 vehicles from Canada during the first nine months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $112,950, up 139 percent from $47,301 for September 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2021 was $138,089, up 103 percent from $67,904 for the first nine months of 2020.

The United States imported 25 vehicles during September 2021, down 26 percent from 34 vehicles for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, 111 vehicles were imported, down 35 percent from 171 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

All of the vehicles were imported from Canada during the first nine months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $217,941, down 9 percent from $238,513 for September 2020. The average price for the first nine months of 2021 was $264,641, up 8 percent from $244,958 for the first nine months of 2020.

8702303100 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine And Electric Motor For 16 Or More Persons

The United States imported one vehicle in this category during September 2021, at a price of $10,835. No vehicles were reported for September 2020. One vehicle was imported during the first nine months of 2021, compared to six vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

The United Kingdom sent one vehicle during the first nine months of 2021.

The price of the vehicle imported during the first nine months of 2021 was $10,835, compared to $113,207 for the first nine months of 2020.

8702306100 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Both Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine and Electric Motor for 10 to 15 Persons

The United States imported no vehicles during September 2021, compared to two vehicles for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, one vehicle was received, compared to four for the first nine months of 2020.

The one vehicle for the first nine months of 2021 was imported from the United Kingdom.

The price for the vehicle for the first nine months of 2021 was $24,694, up from $6,922 for the average price during the first nine months of 2020.

The United States imported 12 vehicles during September 2021, up 71 percent from seven vehicles for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, 194 vehicles were received, up 73 percent from 112 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

China shipped 103 vehicles during the first nine months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $424,016, down 31 percent from $610,514 for September 2020. The average price for the first nine months of 2021 was $211,274, up 12 percent from $188,035 for the first nine months of 2020.

The United States imported 12 vehicles during September 2021, up 50 percent from eight vehicles for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, 90 vehicles were imported, up 29 percent from 70 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

China sent 87 vehicles during the first nine months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $11,378, up 30 percent from $8,748 for September 2020. The average price for the first nine months of 2021 was $9,476, down less than 1 percent from $9,501 for the first nine months of 2020.

The United States imported 98 vehicles during September 2021, up 8 percent from 91 vehicles for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, 1,001 vehicles were received, down 5 percent from 1,055 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

Canada sent 999 vehicles to the United States during the first nine months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $80,645, up 13 percent from $71,363 for September 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2021 was $102,788, up 15 percent from $89,071 for the first nine months of 2020.

8702906100 Motor Vehicles For The Transport Of 10 To 15 Persons Including Driver, NESOI

The United States imported 109 vehicles during September 2021, up 17 percent from 93 vehicles for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, 622 vehicles were received, up 18 percent from 527 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

Canada sent 584 vehicles to the United States during the first nine months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $44,874, up 7 percent from $41,986 for September 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2021 was $40,237, down 8 percent from $43,862 for the first nine months of 2020.

Export totals for September 2021 were up in two categories, compared to September 2020. Three categories reported decreases for the first nine months of 2021, compared to the first nine months of 2020.

The United States exported 484 vehicles during September 2021, down 23 percent from 629 vehicles for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, 4,448 vehicles were sent, down 17 percent from 5,330 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

Canada received 2,218 vehicles during the first nine months of 2021, while Mexico imported 1,413 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $51,611, down 26 percent from $70,206 for September 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2021 was $55,461, down 23 percent from $72,090 for the first nine months of 2020.

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

The United States shipped 105 vehicles in September 2021, up from 35 vehicles for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, 682 vehicles were exported, up from 246 for the first nine months of 2020.

Canada received 399 vehicles during the first nine months of 2021, while Mexico imported 202 vehicles.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $66,170, up from $17,358 for September 2020. The average price for the first nine months of 2021 was $46,184, up 22 percent from $37,702 for the first nine months of 2020.

8702300000 Public-Transport Type Passenger Motor Vehicles With Both Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Piston Engine & Electric Motor

The United States exported 31 vehicles in September 2021, up 19 percent from 26 for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, 333 vehicles were sent, down 8 percent from 360 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

Mexico received 113 vehicles during the first nine months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $40,979, up 90 percent from $21,530 for September 2020. The average price for the first nine months of 2021 was $31,463, up 4 percent from $30,254 for the first nine months of 2020.

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

The United States shipped two vehicles in September 2021, down 77 percent from nine vehicles for September 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, 414 vehicles were exported, down from 1,397 vehicles for the first nine months of 2020.

Canada received 382 vehicles during the first nine months of 2021.

The average price per vehicle for September 2021 was $758,339, up 28 percent from $590,594 for September 2020. The average price per vehicle for the first nine months of 2021 was $54,135, up 42 percent from $39,207 for the first nine months of 2020.

Click on statistics to open .pdf file

ABC Expands Turtle Top Distribution Partnership To Northeast, Southeast And Southwest Regions

ABC Companies, a leading provider of motorcoach, transit and specialty passenger transport equipment in the USA and Canada, has expanded its distribution agreement with Turtle Top to offer its popular Odyssey, Terra Transit and Vanterra product line in locations covering the Eastern Seaboard from Georgia to New York State, as well as the states of Oklahoma and Texas.

The Turtle Top conversions will be available on a number of premium performance chassis including the Ford E 350, E450, F550, F600 and Freightliner S2C, for flexibility in almost any application. ABC will offer combustion and 100 percent battery electric versions of popular models, providing EV options for Turtle Top premium shuttles with numerous seating configurations to accommodate up to 34 riders and multiple wheelchair options. The expansion strengthens ABC’s position in the passenger van and shuttle space as micro transit and on-demand services are rapidly expanding.

“We are excited to expand distribution of Turtle Top products for our customers with these high-quality commercial passenger vehicle options that can bring greater service flexibility and proven quality to its operations,” said Thom Peebles, vice president marketing for ABC Companies. “These proven performers can help customers take advantage of the growing needs in their municipal and regional communities for micro-transit, mobility as a service and paratransit applications, as well as applications from airport shuttles to premium passenger transport operations.”

For fleets which are integrating zero emissions vehicles, the battery electric chassis options from ABC Companies provides a scalable EV solution built on industry leading proven technologies.

“Customer service excellence is a shared core value at Turtle Top and ABC, and we are excited to bring our strong reputation for service and parts support to the passenger van and shuttle market, enhancing our customers’ competitive advantage,” said Roman Cornell, ABC president/CEO. “Delivery of the vehicle is a small part of the ownership cycle, and ABC believes that our continued service and support of our customers is what sets us apart and has been the hallmark of our success."

“ABC Companies offers a comprehensive portfolio of service, parts, warranty and customer care support behind every sale. This approach ensures the high quality of our Turtle Top products will be supported with equally high standards of service for our shared customers,” added Matt Sausaman, general manager of Turtle Top.

Offered through ABC’s SVT (Specialty Vehicles & Technologies) division, Turtle Top buyers can expect the same levels of technical expertise, comprehensive service and parts support that ABC offers.

“The SVT division is focused on discovering and bringing innovative solutions and strategies to market that offer transformative mobility options to ABC customers. Our dedicated SVT sales team specializes in helping customers seamlessly onboard these new products to ensure smooth operations from day one,” said Cornell. “Our ‘Make it Happen’ approach is based on exceeding customer expectations and simplifying fleet integration for private and public operations, including those who are readying for zero-emissions adoption.”

For more information on ABC, visit abc-companies.com.

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked the need to work from home, or any remote location of choice, where reliable Wi-Fi connectivity is available as part of the virtual work environment. While taking advantage of a growing preference for remote work, Rapid Overland Express (ROX Xpress) Founder, Jeff McWaters, wanted to invigorate the commercial connection between economic and tourism hubs, with occasional trips to the office,” according to a press release.

ROX Xpress, a Virginia Beach-based, luxury motorcoach operator, partnered with Icomera to provide business and leisure travelers with four hours of enjoyable travel between Virginia Beach and the District of Columbia — and soon Charlottesville, VA.

ROX installed Icomera’s X³ Advanced Gateway for onboard Internet, passenger information, and entertainment. As part of Icomera’s onboard entertainment solution offering, GoView, ROX passengers can access a wide range of media content, from Hollywood movies and TV shows, to magazines, audiobooks, and games — streamed directly over the Wi-Fi network to their personal phones, tablets, and laptops. By providing ROX passengers with a "Connected Journey," they experience seamless connectivity and premium entertainment — from origin to destination.

After a pause in service due to the COVID-19 pandemic, service between Washington, D.C., and Virginia Beach relaunched in July 2021, catering to commuter and leisure travelers, equipping them with Wi-Fi, individual charging outlets, and a digital library of books, movies, and TV shows. Together with ROX’s investment in onboard connectivity and entertainment, Icomera is facilitating the choice to travel by coach rather than driving Interstate 95.

“Over the last decade, motorcoach operators have seen net promoter scores increasing upwards of 40 points due to amenities such as reliable Internet connectivity and onboard entertainment. Icomera continues to work with motorcoach operators across North America to implement technologies aimed at improving the passenger experience.”

“Being ahead of the curve in providing technological amenities is a big competitive advantage for transport operators; especially on longer-distance routes where services like Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment can influence mode choice,” said Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, vice president of sales and marketing at Icomera. “Bringing the best technology and services to operators is our drive and bringing it to our U.S. headquarters’ backyard is an investment in our region and local community.”

According to Icomera, “During even the most challenging of times, Icomera continues to assist its clients in driving innovation and further facilitating the accelerated global mass-adoption of Internet-based digital systems for staying connected and productive while on the move.”

For more information, visit icomera.com.

SamTrans Returns To Redwood City’s (CA) Hometown Holiday Parade

On Saturday, December 4, a custom-decorated SamTrans holiday bus made its 10th appearance in downtown Redwood City for its annual Hometown Holidays Festival And Parade. Taking part in the 2021 festivities, SamTrans decorated one of its 60-foot articulated buses.

In addition to a parade, this free, family-friendly holiday event included live entertainment, carnival rides, photos with Santa in the History Museum, and a children’s carnival.

New RTC (Las Vegas) Pilot Project Offers On-Demand Universal Transit Service In The Southwest Valley And West Henderson

The Regional Transportation Commission of southern Nevada (RTC) has announced a new service — RTC-OnDemand, an on-demand ride-share program that allows customers in West Henderson and the southwest valley to schedule a ride using a smartphone.

The pilot program, part of the RTC’s recent service expansion, provides new connectivity options for customers in a more-than-30-square-mile zone. Customers within the area can get picked up from their doorstep, and dropped off near numerous locations within the OnDemand zone. A short walk to a customer’s final destination may be required. Or they can travel to a location outside of the OnDemand zone by transferring to fixed-route transit at the edge of the service area. This new service also benefits paratransit customers by offering door-to-door service throughout the RTC service area.

“The RTC is proud to invest in the community by continuing to test new technologies through pilot projects such as RTC-OnDemand,” said RTC CEO M.J. Maynard. “By focusing on technology and new ways to provide efficient transit to our customers, we can offer universal transit options where our paratransit customers can share rides with fixed-route transit customers.”

RTC-OnDemand offers rides at the customer’s request, instead of requiring riders to plan their trip around a bus schedule. Rides can be scheduled up to seven days in advance or for the same day — within 30 minutes. Rides can be easily booked using the RTC-OnDemand mobile app, the RTC-OnDemand website, or by calling.

RTC-OnDemand vehicles comfortably seat up to 12 passengers. Each vehicle is equipped with free Wi-Fi and bike racks and is ADA-accessible to accommodate wheelchair passengers.

The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) of Orlando, FL, has released a new version of the LYNX® See&Say mobile application. This app will continue to allow customers to communicate transit threats and safety and security concerns in real-time.

“The new LYNX® See&Say app has a fresh design, additional support resources with local law enforcement, LYNX map brochures and a quicker incident reporting process which will still be monitored 24 hours a day. Users are encouraged to use the ‘Call 911’ button to report immediate emergency concerns,” said LYNX officials.

Report categories have been limited to safety and security concerns. The list includes, but is not limited to:
• Bus maintenance issues;
• Damaged or unclean bus;
• Human trafficking awarenes;
• Unsafe driving;
• Unattended suspicious item/package — direct dial to 911; and,
• Criminal or suspicious activity/person — direct dial to 911.

The other LYNX apps available are LYNX Bus Tracker, real-time route information; NeighborLink, trip booking; and PawPass, for mobile fare payment.

From Enseicom, Inc.

Design-Build Team Selected To Assist King County Metro (Seattle, WA) Begin Transition To Zero-Emission Bus Fleet

King County Metro Transit recently selected the Walsh-Stantec design-build team to help the county with its first large scale project to transition to a zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet. As part of Metro’s goal for a 100-percent ZEB fleet by 2035, the group will provide progressive design-build services for the Interim Base Electrification (IBE) project.

The $67 million IBE project will provide parking and charging stations for 120 ZEB buses at the existing King County Interim South Base in Tukwila. The IBE project, which is the continuation of fleet electrification for Metro, will be the county’s first progressive design-build, which provides an integrated approach, greater resources, and shared expertise between the design-build team and King County.

King County Metro, which serves a population of more than 2.1 million people, is an early adopter of battery-electric buses that produce no exhaust fumes, are quieter, and have the potential for lower operating costs. Metro’s goal is to maintain its current fleet of approximately 1,400 coaches as it transitions to a ZEB fleet by 2035 to align with the County’s equity and social justice goals. The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2024.

BYD Double Decker In Hollywood Christmas Parade

BYD's battery electric double decker coach made a red carpet appearance in Hollywood for the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade.

“The motor coach, operated by Starline Tours, stood out among the celebrities, marching bands, equestrians, character balloons and colorful floats,” said BYD.

“We were happy to be there with Santa Claus, and to see our fans who lined Hollywood Boulevard ushering in the holiday season.”