Metro Magazine

APR 2013

Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904

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CONTENTS Vol. 109 • No. 3 • APRIL 2013 PAGE 20: Public transportation agencies continue to explore alternative fuels. PAGE 28: PAGE 34: Why is alternative project delivery slowly taking hold in U.S.? FEATURES San Antonio launches BRT service. SPECIAL REPORT BUS TRANSIT While many operators cited receiving plenty of political and community support, they reported contending with diffculties in coordination with other jurisdictions, Departments of Transportation, transit agencies and city staff. By Nicole Schlosser Distinctive service features include modern, stylized 60-foot buses built by North American Bus Industries, which carry up to 90 passengers, powered by CNG. By Jay Srinivasan SPECIAL REPORT 38 4 Tips to Track, Increase Coach Quote-to-Close Ratios 13 BRT Survey: Coordination, Construction Top Challenges 34 San Antonio's BRT Service Fast, Comfortable Transport 20 Hydrogen Fuel Cells Gather Steam as Viable Fleet Option MOTORCOACH U.S. transit systems testing the technology see economical benefts. Conversion to other alternative fuels continues growth. By Alex Roman Operators share practices crucial to boosting sales, including the use of data management software, engaging the customer and providing quick responses. By Nicole Schlosser TRANSIT EQUIPMENT 28 Alternative Project Delivery Opens Doors to Innovation 44 Next-Generation Seating Employs Economical Advances Although it is slow to take off in the U.S., there are plenty of possible benefts that could be derived through public-private partnerships, design-build and more. Experts are quick to point out, however, that it is not a magic bullet. By Alex Roman DEPARTMENTS Industry News Transit Business Advertising Index Business Briefs People Products Classifed Ads Publisher's Perspective 4 48 50 53 56 58 59 60 Looking to increased sustainability, manufacturers are focusing on preserving the lifespan of vehicle seats while reducing weight and adding features to increase fexibility and safety. By Brittni Rubin Cover image is of a BRT bus manufactured by North American Bus Industries operated by San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit. METRO (ISSN 1098-0083) (USPS 343-700) is published Monthly except for July, Dec, by Bobit Business Media, 3520 Challenger Street, Torrance, California 90503-1640. Periodicals postage paid at Torrance, California 90503-9998 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Metro, P.O. Box 1068 Skokie, IL 60076-8068. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for address changes to take effect. Subscription Prices - United States $40 per year; Canada $60 per year; Foreign $100 per year. Single copy price - $8; Fact Book - $25. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks to receive your first issue. Bobit Business Media reserves the right to refuse non-qualified subscriptions. Please address Editorial and Advertising correspondence to the Executive Offices at 3520 Challenger Street, Torrance, California 90503-1640. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without consent of Bobit Business Media. All statements made, although based on information believed to be reliable and accurate, cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. 2 < mETRO mAGAZINE APRIL 2013 The magazine serving bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904 Vice President/Publisher Frank Di Giacomo Associate Publisher Mark T. Hollenbeck Executive Editor Janna Starcic Managing Editor Alex Roman Senior Editor Nicole Schlosser Associate Editor Brittany-Marie Swanson Assistant Editor Brittni Rubin Production Manager Mary Reimer Senior Production Manager Sarah Paredes Art Director Yuda Chen EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Joseph A. Calabrese CEO, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Cleveland Rod Diridon executive director, Mineta Transportation Institute, San Jose, Calif. Clif Henke senior analyst, Parsons Brinckerhof, Los Angeles Larry Jackson president/CEO, Long Beach Transit, Long Beach, Calif. Halsey King president, Halsey King & Associates Inc., Carlsbad, Calif. Dan Reichard retired, board member, Central Ohio Transit Authority, Columbus, Ohio Robert J. Schwarz executive vice president of communications, Peter Pan-Trailways Bus Lines Inc., Springfield, Mass. WEBSITE www.metro-magazine.com E-MAIL info@metro-magazine.com A Bobit Business Media Publication Chairman Edward J. Bobit President & CEO Ty Bobit VP/Chief Operating Ofcer Cyndy Drummey Chief Financial Ofcer Richard E. Johnson BUSINESS & EDITORIAL OFFICES 3520 Challenger St., Torrance, CA 90503 FAX: (310) 533-2512 SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico (888) 239-2455 CLASSIFIED AD SALES Donna Stewart (405) 260-1678 FAX: (405) 260-1684 Donna_Stewart@cox.net BILLING Tess Dela Rosa (310) 533-2562 NORTH AMERICA SALES Frank Di Giacomo, Vice President/Publisher 49 S. Maple Ave., Marlton, NJ 08053 (856) 596-0999 FAX: (856) 596-0168 Mark T. Hollenbeck, Associate Publisher 3115 NE McDonald Lane McMinnville, OR 97128 (503) 472-8200 FAX: (503) 472-8228 Produced in U.S.A. metro-magazine.com

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