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One of Ramblin Express’ new Van Hool CX35 motorcoaches.
Denver, Colo. — Charter motorcoach operator Ramblin Express has recently taken delivery of two 2018 Van Hool CX35 motorcoaches. The operator’s fleet of 50 buses includes a wide range of options, from a 22-passenger mini-bus to 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches. The CX35 offers all the comforts of a full-size motorcoach while catering to a smaller passenger count of 38. These two new coaches bring their fleet to total of eight Van Hools.
Each of Ramblin’s Van Hool coaches are equipped with wheel chair lifts, adding to the company’s handicap accessible fleet options. Additionally, both new CX35 coaches are powered by Cummins engines/Allison transmissions and are equipped with Saucon touch driver display, video box with security cameras, satellite XM radio, Wi-Fi, and Rudd tire chains.
Ramblin Express started working with ABC Companies, the exclusive distributor of Van Hool motorcoaches, as a parts customer.
“While we have a long-standing relationship with ABC on the used equipment and parts side, it was not until 2014 that we started purchasing new Van Hool CXs,” said Todd Holland, co-founder of Ramblin Express. “These coaches have been a great addition to our fleet, and have been well-received by our clients, drivers and maintenance technicians as well. The recently delivered CX35s look great alongside the CX45s and are generating a lot of positive buzz with our clients in our market.”
Holland said that the CX35 addresses Rambin’s coach needs, specifically Saucon ELD, camera system, Wi-Fi units, and automatic drop-down snow chains. He added that the coach is the perfect size for their casino shuttle operation, as well as for group charters.
Holland and his wife Kellie founded Ramblin Express in 1993, to address the need for a casino run operator accommodating casino customers and employees. Today, Ramblin runs a vigorous casino shuttle program, and a robust charter business. Its casino shuttle business services passengers from Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Woodland Park to the excitement in Cripple Creek, as well as from Aurora and Lakewood to the casino action in Black Hawk and Central City. The company is excited to be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Holland is an active member within the motorcoach industry serving as Membership Committee Chair for the International Motorcoach Group (IMG) and previously served on the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) board of directors from 2001 to 2007. Ramblin Express was named the IMG Operator of the Year in 2009 and in 2011 was named Metro Magazine’s Motorcoach Operator of the Year. Mr. Holland was also the founding Chairman of the Motorcoach Council.
Visit ramblin.com for more information.
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ILA President Tracy Raimer Chicago — On July 11, the Illinois Limousine Association’s Board of Directors met in open session to discuss the possibility of changing the association’s name.
The Board voted unanimously to change the association name to Illinois Limousine and Bus Association (ILLBA). The name change reflects the association's current member and vendor composition, reflecting an increase in bus ownership in recent years.
"With so many of our members owning buses and several others in the market for their first purchase, it only makes sense to modify our name to represent this niche," said ILA President Tracy Raimer of Windy CIty Limousine. "When attending industry events, the show floors are now filled with buses—including our very own meetings. It is no surprise that there is a learning curve involved when owning and managing buses, from financing the vehicle to adhering to DOT regulations, and the ILA Board feels it is our responsibility to provide this information to our membership in the forms of education and connecting vendors with members."
The board extends special thanks to association members AnnRae Pontarelli of Viatas Global Transportation and Antoinette Gonzales of Aries Charter Transportation for participating on the open board call and providing their industry feedback. Pending the completion of legal and business filings, a formal announcement of the new name will follow.
The Board is interested in any feedback or questions you may have with regards to the change. Please contact the association’s office at 630.665.9133 or by email at illinoislimousineassociation@gmail.com no later than Friday, July 20.
Members and vendors are encouraged to participate in the association’s open board meetings. Announcements are communicated in advance and also posted the ILA Facebook members-only page.
The association’s next open board meeting will be August 1.
Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.
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TLPA CEO Al LaGasse speaks to members who participated in the association’s recent Legislative Fly-In on Capitol Hill Rockville, Md. — The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) held its 2018 Legislative Fly-In on Capitol Hill during the association’s June 19-21 Mid-Year International Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Members from around the country met with their representatives to promote the association’s top three legislative priorities:
1) Enacting a federal requirement that all private-sector drivers providing contracted passenger transportation funded by the federal government submit to fingerprint-based FBI criminal background checks and drug and alcohol testing.
2) Supporting H.R. 891, the Federal Transit Modernization Act introduced by Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC), which provides public-transit agencies with more options to meet the needs of their communities by eliminating section 5333(b) granting unions extraordinary super-rights over how transit grants are awarded. This measure is not intended to end labor’s right to collective bargaining.
3) Drafting a legislative provision to meet consumer needs by providing a level playing field for ground transportation companies at airports. Given the number of stakeholders seeking access to limited curb space at airports, TLPA supports the formation of the Department of Transportation’s working group (as required in the FAA reauthorization bill) to address a number of concerns, the eventual establishment of a level playing field free from undue and discriminatory regulatory burdens, and continued participation by private investment to best serve the traveling public.
TLPA members spoke to legislative representatives on behalf of the industry last month Prior to the nearly 60 meetings in which TLPA members met with their individual legislators on June 21, TLPA members heard presentations from Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Representative Jeff Denham (R-CA) of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
“TLPA greatly appreciates Mr. Meadows and Mr. Denham convening with us during a week of particularly intense legislative activity. There was strong consensus that federally funded transportation should underscore safety first and foremost,” said TLPA President Mike Pinckard of Total Transit in Glendale, Ariz.
The association’s next event is its 100th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas from October 27-29.
Visit tlpa.org for more information.
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