Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904
Issue link: https://metromag.epubxp.com/i/283391
What is your biggest daily challenge in keeping your operation running? ■ Duncan: With the resurgence in the oil and gas industry, recruiting and retaining trained CDL drivers is by far our biggest challenge. We recruit students by offering to train for the CDL test; however, due to Department of Public Safety rules, we are not allowed to hire drivers under the age of 21 to transport passengers. There is an ex- ministration and fi nance division to add buses and drivers to my staff to take over shuttle operations for two other organi- zations adjacent to our campus. It will save the organizations money in the long term and improve our area carbon foot- print while adding revenue to my budget. Capital costs are the obstacle to purchas- ing the additional buses right now. [They are] also a challenge with our human resources in adding staff to our depart- ment. ■ Sandin: We have created public-private partnerships with transit agencies, in- creasing our business by over 200% in the last three years. ■ Sherrell: Investing in over-the-road motorcoaches — we now have four in the fl eet — in addition to continuing to mar- ket our smaller mini-coaches. Ameritrans ™ Available only from Ameritrans THE ONLY IN ITS CLASS Now Ameritrans quality construction, design and style are built on the exciting new RAM 5500 SLT chassis. Featuring a wide range of seating floorplans, the R330 series is the only vehicle in its class to offer the RAM 5500 SLT chassis —renown for durability, performance and power. With large-coach features to support driver operations and amenities designed to maximize passenger comfort and safety, Ameritrans R330 truly takes operations to the next level. Contact your authorized Ameritrans dealer or visit ameritransbus.com RAM-tough Power Takes the R330 Series to the Next Level. 330 SERIES A6 BUS OPS APRIL 2014 METRO-MAGAZINE.COM Shuttle service operations, such as Northern Arizona University's Mountain Line (left), are struggling to recruit and retain good drivers. Airport shuttle service providers are also facing staff ng challenges. Show right: Devin Sherrell, director, operations, Shuttle Express. Q & A : S H U T T L E S E R V I C E S M E T 4 B u s O p s _ s h u t t l e 1 4 . i n d d A 6 MET4BusOps_shuttle14.indd A6 3 / 1 8 / 1 4 1 : 2 3 P M 3/18/14 1:23 PM