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Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., (NFI), one of the world’s largest independent global bus manufacturers, has committed throughout its 87-year history to deliver a better commuting experience to passengers of all ability levels. Newest in the lineup is the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Buy America-compliant MCI D45 CRT LE, a commuter coach that delivers all riders—including those with mobility devices—to their destinations faster than ever.
The “revolutionary” 45-foot, 54-passenger MCI D45 CRT LE represents the biggest advancement in passenger accessibility in decades, according to the company. Instead of a traditional elevated wheelchair lift—which MCI says it introduced to the industry in 1984—the D45 CRT LE is designed with an automatic retractable curb level ramp and patented Low Entry (LE) vestibule. The vestibule allows optional seating for five passengers, including two dedicated spaces for passengers with mobility devices to enjoy a more pleasurable boarding and riding experience with lower dwell times for passengers overall.
MCI’s early dedication to passenger accessibility issues have continued in the three decades following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. As part of the design process for the MCI D45 CRT LE, MCI sought the input of a broad range of passengers, including volunteer members from the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) to help develop and evaluate the new design launched in 2017.
Marking its history in support of passengers with disabilities, the creation of the MCI D45 CRT LE and the 30th anniversary passage of the ADA, MCI has created this short video.
Visit mcicoach.com for more information.
[07.22.20]
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Limo Command, a provider of office management solutions for ground transportation companies, has announced its relaunch. The hospitality, travel, and tourism industries have seen significant losses in revenue due to the pandemic, but many companies are seeing their businesses begin to improve. Limo Command will provide office support for these operators, most of whom are not yet able to bring back all of their employees.
Limo Command Founder Joey Allen
Limo Command’s mission is to provide critical office support to smaller operators, offering tailored dispatch, reservations, call answering, virtual assistant, billing and collections, and business development services. Limo Command team members are thoroughly trained and have a deep understanding of the industry. Many business owners use Limo Command’s overnight and weekend services to save on labor costs.
Limo Command has also partnered with LMC Ops, a division of the LMC Groups and an operations and technology solutions company serving the chauffeured car industry, to re-launch Limo Command 2.0. LMC Ops will bring essential operations and training expertise as Limo Command grows.
LMC Ops Director Chris Hotham
“I am so excited about the next chapter of the journey with Limo Command,” says Founder Joey Allen. “LMC was instrumental in the beginning of Limo Command, and having them back now as partners feels like the boost we need to take our service to the next level. As an operator myself, I know all too well the toll the pandemic has taken on our industry, and I’m excited for Limo Command to play a role in the recovery. Because we know that call answering is one of the greatest needs our clients have right now, we are offering overnight call management for a low introductory price to help them get up and running.”
“During this challenging time, I am very pleased that LMC Ops will be partnering with Limo Command to provide the next level in quality call answering and dispatching service,” says LMC Ops Director Chris Hotham about the collaboration. “Having worked with ground transportation providers for years, we know the kind of support they need to be successful. We look forward to finding solutions to the newest demands facing our industry and beyond.”
Visit limocommand.com, email info@limocommand.com, or call 405.455.1222 for more information about Limo Command. Visit lmc.group for more information on the various consulting service they offer.
[07.22.20]
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In the first of three follow-up meetings after the initial Bus & Motorcoach Virtual Summit debuted this past June, the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) reinvigorated participants to take control of what’s happening within their companies amid the chaos that they can’t control. Nearly 100 participants joined the online meeting, themed Ready, Aim, RESTART! and hosted by UMA President & CEO Larry Killingsworth and entrepreneur and motivational speaker Joe Calhoon.
During the kickoff of the Summit, Calhoon challenged participants to consider their ideal future by “deciding to climb, camp, or quit—all acceptable options.” The handfu of speakers also offered attendees a toolkit with various actionable items to help get them started. In this follow-up meeting, Calhoon solicited feedback from operators on their current course of action, demonstrating how they used that information to refocus their efforts. Many shared painful, honest, but also inspirational messages about how they are navigating the rocky landscape. There is optimism as Congress returns to session this week to get started on the next round of stimulus, which is likely to include hard-fought aid for the motorcoach industry in the way of grants and loans. UMA members and leadership were instrumental in helping Congress recognize the plight of the motorcoach industry, and with their persistance, both the Senate and the House have introduced bills called the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act. Read more about the Senate bill here.
The Summit was sponsored by Lancer Insurance, Spader Business Management, PAX Training, and Rellevate.
The next follow-up sessions are scheduled for August 12 and September 9.
Visit uma.org/summit for more information.
[07.21.20]