Arrow Stage Lines Receives MCI-Sponsored 2019 UMA Environmental Leadership Award

L to R: Arrow Stage Lines COO Luke Busskohl, MCI Vice President of New Coach Sales Patricia Ziska, and Arrow Stage Lines Director of Corporate Operations and Marketing Specialist Alex Busskohl Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is pleased to announce that charter coach operator Arrow Stage Lines was recognized for its green operating practices by being given the 2019 United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Environmental Leadership Award. Sponsored by MCI, the honor was presented to Arrow during the UMA Expo on January 8, 2019, at the Broward County Convention Center .

The peer-judged award recognized Norfolk, Neb.-based Arrow for a sustainability philosophy that begins with a strict maintenance schedule for its fleet of 236 motorcoaches, supported by an idle-free education program that rewards drivers. Its fleet of mostly newer model coaches with advance engine technology also advances fuel saving and lower emission goals.

Arrow’s green practices extend throughout its business. It became the first motorcoach operator to adopt a digital signature for all customer agreements on its path to a paperless office. At the same time, Arrow’s software designers are developing an app to make all administrative functions digital and accessible on mobile phones and laptop computers.

“IT is creating coding to have our booking, accounting, and electronic logging device (ELD) systems work through our own app,” said Arrow COO Luke Busskohl. Busskohl and his brother Alex, director of corporate operations and marketing specialist, represent Arrow’s fourth generation of family leadership.

Arrow has built an exclusive clientele, including tour companies and NFL, NBA, NCAA, and Major League Baseball franchises. The company also operates a luxury entertainment coach division that leases to top entertainment companies, including concert tours by Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Jason Derulo, Luke Bryan, and more.

In all of its operating regions, Arrow maintenance teams use environmentally safe oil change (ESOC) machines and coolant recovery machines to safely drain and dispose of those fluids. They also gather scrap medal including copper and aluminum, which regularly are separated and recycled.

To make all this work, training is critical. For the past three years, Arrow has partnered with the University of Vermont (UVM) Certification for Sustainable Transportation Program to help all drivers and technicians earn e-Rating driving certificates. Additionally, Arrow’s drivers are required to take a new course every quarter through the MCI Academy Learning Management System (LMS) that offers more than 450 courses online and available 24/7.

Finally, all Arrow Stage coaches are set with a maximum speed of 68 miles per hour and run on verified low-rolling resistance tires with pressure monitors to deliver even greater fuel savings and emissions reductions. Arrow is also considering adding a solar-powered auxiliary power unit (APU) to each coach’s HVAC system to heat and cool interiors without running the engine.

“We use an ‘ownership thinking’ rewards program that offers incentives to employees if they meet certain goals,” said Busskohl. “In 2018, our goal was to reduce idle time. With our investment in driver and staff education along with an initiative to limit idling in our yards and lots during pre-trip inspections, we showed a 25 percent decrease in idling for the year.”

Alex Busskohl adds, “We’re very honored to receive this award because we realize that green practices are not only good for the environment, but for the bottom line. Everything counts in our opinion. Our clients and passengers appreciate the reliability of our coaches and we consider green practices an important part of our marketing plan.”

MCI Vice President of New Coach Sales Patricia Ziska says Arrow Stages’ unified program of green practices in driving, mechanical upkeep, recycling programs, and office operations is helping set new standards in the motorcoach industry.

“We’re proud to present this award to Arrow Stage Lines because they’re innovators in their business and green policies drive everything they do with the full participation of employees and staff. They set a very high standard.”

Visit arrowstagelines.com or mcicoach.com for more information.

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