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Livonia, Mich.-based van builder MobilityTRANS, a division of Forest River Bus, recently donated a new Ford E-Transit van to the Pope Francis Center in order to provide safe transportation for guests requiring additional assistance. The upfitted E-Transit van customized by MobilityTRANS was delivered to Fr. McCabe and the Pope Francis Center at a special ceremony on August 8.
MobilityTRANS General Manager Dave Brown (left) hands over the keys to a new Ford E-Transit van to Pope Francis Center Executive Director Fr. Tim McCabe
The bus upfitter installed a flexible seating system, wheelchair lift, security mechanisms, passenger assist steps, grab bars, windows, and a climate control system. In addition, MobilityTRANS has provided a Level 2 charging system for the Pope Francis Center to charge the all-electric vehicle at its new Bridge Housing Campus.
The Pope Francis Center, which provides vital services for people experiencing homelessness, will use the van as eco-friendly transportation for guests to attend medical and dental treatment appointments, job, and other interviews, and for moving people to safer environments during extreme weather. The van can accommodate up to 10 passengers or eight if a wheelchair is in use.
"We are honored to collaborate with the Pope Francis Center, donating this Electric E-Transit van," said MobilityTRANS General Manager Dave Brown. "It perfectly aligns with our mission of providing accessible transportation solutions and improving the well-being of individuals facing adversity. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the Pope Francis Center's impactful work."
The van will be a critical part of the new Pope Francis Center Bridge Housing Campus in the Core City neighborhood. Scheduled to open next year, the Campus will provide 40 apartments and wrap-around services to guests transitioning from homelessness to permanent, supportive housing.
“This vehicle will literally help save lives,” said Pope Francis Center Executive Director Fr. Tim McCabe. “Whether it's a severe weather emergency or the urgent need for medical attention, we now have a way to move people without options to a place of safety. We could not be more grateful for this extraordinary gift.”
MobilityTRANS extends its deepest appreciation to the Pope Francis Center for its ongoing dedication to serving the community. This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnership and an important step toward a more accessible, sustainable, and compassionate future for all.
Visit mobilitytrans.com or popefranciscenter.org for more information.
[08.15.23]
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The 2025 IQ has an estimated 450-mile range
Go big or go home: Cadillac debuted their 2025 Escalade IQ, an all-electric version of their best-selling (and industry staple) luxury SUV. Among the first luxury automakers to offer such a large SUV on an electric (Ultium) platform, the Escalade IQ has an estimated range of 450 miles with 750 horsepower and features a pillar-to-pillar 55-inch LED display that controls pretty much everything in the vehicle.
The IQ has the traditional three-row seating
You can expect the usual high-end bells and whistles on the three-row SUV—Adaptive Air Ride Suspension, Automatic Parking Assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist, panoramic fixed-glass roof—but it also borrows from its cousins, the all-luxury Celestiq and the GM’s all-electric Hummer. An Executive Second-Row Seating Package will give you stowable tray tables, 12.6-inch-diagonal personal screens, a rear command center screen, USB-C and HDMI ports, massaging seats, and headrest speakers. Note that it has a base price of $130,000, so chances are you’re going to be watching those added costs like a hawk.
The front storage offers 12 cu. ft. of space
A 24-module Ultium battery serves as the foundation of the Escalade IQ, with a flexible, 800-volt DC fast charging capability to juice up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes of charge time. Plus, it comes with Super Cruise, which—using a system of LiDAR map data, GPS, Google Maps, and plenty of cameras—is their hands-free advanced driver assistance system.
Bonus storage in the so-called eTrunk at the front of the vehicle gives 12 cu. ft. of cargo space. It’s currently expected to be offered in two trims: Luxury and Sport, but no word on whether the ESV equivalent will be available in electric in the future. However, the Escalade IQ is nearly as long as the non-electric ESV: 224.3 inches vs. 227 inches (compared to the standard Escalade at 211 inches).
The display features an expansive 55-inch LED screen
“Escalade IQ is first and foremost a Cadillac and delivers on a promise of innovative design supported by spirited performance and cutting-edge technologies,” said Escalade IQ Executive Chief Engineer Jamie Brewer during the unveiling. “The EV-specific architecture allows us to deliver a driving experience aligned with Cadillac’s philosophy of isolated precision—quiet, smooth and effortless with a strong connection to the road for an engaging experience.”
The Escalade IQ will be produced at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center and is expected to be available sometime in late 2024. No word yet on livery programs or pricing, but we’re sure more information will be available once the release date nears.
Visit cadillac.com for more information.
[08.14.23]
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IATR President Matt Daus
With just a month to go before their 36th annual conference, the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) has announced that the Black Car Fund (BCF) is once again sponsoring the event. The conference will be held September 27-30 at the W Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona. Featuring an array of leading transportation regulators and policymakers from across the globe as speakers and attendees, the yearly conference explores the current and future needs of passengers across the spectrum of mobility with an eye on sustainability, equitable accessibility, and safety.
The Black Car Fund, formally known as the New York Black Car Operators’ Injury Compensation Fund, provides workers’ compensation insurance, education, safety training, and health benefits for nearly 100,000 drivers of more than 500 affiliate member bases. The nonprofit organization was commissioned by the State of New York to help protect drivers and passengers alike. BCF is funded exclusively via a passenger surcharge collected by member bases.
Ira Goldstein of the BCF
“I would like to thank the Black Car Fund, its board, partners, and all the bases that support this wonderful and unique driver compensation and benefits organization, for once again sponsoring the IATR,” says IATR President Matt Daus. “Special thanks to my dear friend of 35+ years, Ira Goldstein, whose leadership has brought the Fund to levels of success that have touched the lives of many thousands of drivers over the years, to help not just economically at times of injury, but to proactively train drivers on how to stay safe to avoid injury—and to keep them a healthy and vibrant part of the mobility ecosystem. Our thanks, on behalf of all the regulators, to all of the staff who keep things running at the Fund. We need a Black Car Fund in every state, and beyond!”
Visit iatr.global for more information about the event.
[08.08.23]