Bombardier Driverless Transit System's

 

Bombardier Celebrates the Opening of the INNOVIA APM 100 System at the Sacramento International Airport in the USA

Bombardier Transportation is today celebrating the start of passenger services on the new BOMBARDIER INNOVIA APM 100 automated people mover (APM) system at the Sacramento
International Airport (SMF) in the USA.

The new dual-lane INNOVIA APM 100 system


The new dual-lane INNOVIA APM 100 system- is the primary passenger connector for the airport's brand new Central Terminal B complex, linking the new main building called Central Terminal B and the new boarding gate building called Concourse B. SMF's terminal modernization program, known as The Big Build, commenced in 2008 and the new complex is three times the size of the original Terminal B. The new Central Terminal B, along with the APM system, officially opened to passengers today.

Bombardier designed and supplied the driverless transit system for SMF which includes two INNOVIA APM 100 vehicles, BOMBARDIER CITYFLO 650 automatic train control, power distribution system, communications equipment, stations doors as well as operation and maintenance (O&M) services for five years, along with an option for a further five years of O&M. The driverless INNOVIA vehicles were built by Bombardier at its plant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
The two INNOVIA APM 100 vehicles operate as single cars, one per track, providing a shuttle service. The ride to the concourse building covers the length of three football pitches, taking approximately 52 seconds with a wait time of around 87 seconds between trains. The electric INNOVIA APM 100 vehicles travel at an average line speed of 22 mph.
David Barry, Vice President for Americas, Systems Division at Bombardier Transportation commented: "We congratulate our customer, Sacramento County Airport System, on the completion of the new state-of-the-art Central Terminal B complex and commend the collaborative spirit promoted by the airport's teams for duration of its Big Build program."
He added: "We are very proud that Bombardier was selected as the transit system supplier for this impressive project. The high quality of our INNOVIA APM technology is proven in major airports all over the world. With the service delivery support of our highly-skilled operation and maintenance team, we are confident that the new INNOVIA APM 100 system will provide many years of reliable service to the Sacramento International Airport and ensure that passengers have an efficient, safe and comfortable transition between terminal buildings."
Bombardier is currently installing a new INNOVIA APM 200 system at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in the USA which will open with 18 vehicles in 2012. In addition, the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has recently placed the launch order for Bombardier's newest generation of APM technology, the INNOVIA APM 300 system, and this will project will be completed in 2014.

Bombardier has supplied its highly reliable INNOVIA APM systems to more than 20 airports, including Beijing, China; Frankfurt, Germany; Rome, Italy; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Singapore; Madrid, Spain; London, United Kingdom; Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Newark, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Seattle-Tacoma, Tampa and San Francisco, USA.

About Systems Division

Bombardier Transportation's Systems Division has delivered over 60 transit systems in 18 countries around the globe. The division's range of solutions includes the driverless INNOVIA family of APM (automated people mover), ART (advanced rapid transit) and Monorail systems, as well as light rail, metro and intercity systems. The Division also has over 40 years of experience in providing comprehensive operation and maintenance services.

About Bombardier Transportation

Bombardier Transportation, a global leader in rail technology, offers the broadest portfolio in the rail industry and delivers innovative products and services that set new standards in sustainable mobility. BOMBARDIER ECO4 technologies – built on the four cornerstones of energy, efficiency, economy and ecology – conserve energy, protect the environment and help to improve total train performance. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany and has a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, were $17.7 billion, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardi


 

Should Operator's be Allowed to Moonlight

 

BOSTON — The MBTA has fired the operator of the Green Line trolley that crashed into another at Boylston Station last week. On Wednesday, the T said the driver may have fallen asleep before the accident that sent 37 to the hospital and caused $500,000 in damages.
The operator had apparently been moonlighting, something about which the MBTA does not ask its employees.

The T said the driver worked the graveyard shift at another job before operating the trolley. He crashed it less than an hour into his shift. Acting T GM Jonathan Davis said it was the driver’s second straight day working 17.5-hour days.

“His schedule was the same the day before,” Davis said. “He worked a midnight-to-8-a.m. shift with his other employer. And then he worked from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the MBTA.”
Three-and-a-half hours later, the driver was back at the overnight shift at the second job. Three hours after that, he was behind the wheel again.

“Because of his alarming disregard for customer and employee safety, and performing his duty as a Green Line operator, he was fired,” Davis said. “I want to remind our customers that the system is safe. I ride the system every day. And as part of my journey home tonight, I’ll be taking the Green Line.”

But Davis would not know whether his driver had been moonlighting as well. MBTA operators are allowed to have second jobs. And they don’t have to tell their supervisors about them. Davis said it’s up to drivers to make sure they show up for work with enough rest. He said this driver is solely at fault for being inattentive, not the organization.

“Well, I think we will take a look to see what we can do,” he said. “I’m not sure we can legislate what people do outside of the MBTA.”

But other transportation agencies do. Marc Littman, with the Los Angeles County MTA, said their train and bus drivers are required to inform supervisors of outside work.
“We need to know what the second job entails,” Littman said. “Particularly we want to know if it entails driving. Because we don’t want someone to be fatigued when they’re driving a 15- to 20-ton bus or train, and get into an accident.”

An accident like the one last week at Boylston Station. The MBTA won’t name the driver. But Davis said the driver had gone through two training sessions about preventing fatigue.

This post was updated with the Morning Edition feature version.
– Here’s surveillance footage of the crash:

Prevost Opens Service Center in Houston

 Prevost Announcement :

Sainte-Claire, QC, April 22, 2013 – Prevost has opened a new Service Center in Houston, Texas. The Houston facility is a new construction building providing 5400 sq. ft., including a service area with two drive-through bays. The service center is staffed with Prevost technicians who are certified for bumper-to-bumper maintenance and repair for all Nova Bus vehicles, and Prevost and Volvo Bus coaches, including Volvo engine and transmission. The facility is equipped with a controlled access fence, operational after hours, monitored by a security patrol and a video surveillance camera. The Houston Service Center is equipped with electrical hookups and is open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Carl Boulet is the branch manager of the new service center and Theodore Bruning is the service manager.




Prevost Service Center
10155 Windfern Road
Houston, TX 77064
(713) 849-8562




Service Center Locations :

The Houston Service Center expands the Prevost Service Network, the most extensive service network in the industry. Other Prevost Service Centers are in South Plainfield, New Jersey; Jacksonville, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Mira Loma, California; Delta, British Columbia; Fort McMurray, Alberta; and Quebec City, Quebec.

About Prevost

Prevost is a leading manufacturer of premium intercity touring coaches and the world leader in the production of conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. As part of the Volvo Group, it has access to the financial strength, research capability, and manufacturing expertise of the group. The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines. Prevost has its main manufacturing facilities in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada and has nine Parts and Service Centers located in the United States and Canada. www.prevostcar.com

For more information

Alan Dvoskin | Marketing Communications
Prevost
7900 National Service Rd. Mailstop ALB-63
Greensboro, NC 27409
Tel.: +1 336 393-3077 | Fax: +1 336 393-2955

This Week LifeStyle In Luxury Motorcoach

 

What kind of people sell multi-million-dollar Luxury Motorcoaches?

 

World-class luxury awaits as you board a Millennium Luxury Coach. Lavishly appointed with rare imported Italian stone, each coach features top-grain leather captain’s chairs and rich, exotic burl wood all hand-selected to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning clients. The warm glow from the ornate wall sconces accentuates the rich luster of handcrafted mahogany cabinets, all wearing their own custom designed piece of jeweled hardware inlayed with Swarovski crystals. With handlaid, cascading tile mosaic showers and granite floors with radiant heating to avoid frosty first morning steps, there are no compromises, nothing has been spared.

The list of amenities is staggering, and the available combinations of appointments and optional features are nearly infinite. The ability to run the coach nearly to its electrical limits, miles from the nearest electrical hookup, using only the clean, silent power of its eight marine-grade batteries and four 3,500-watt inverters is a small detail, perhaps, but in a class of high-luxury product where beauty and quality are guaranteed, it’s the subtle but significant differences in livability that quickly separate one coach converter from another. To truly appreciate the production design and attention to electrical engineering detail that allows a Millennium Luxury Coach to do what so many other multi-million-dollar coaches cannot, you’ll have to venture into the mind of its engineer, President and founder Nelson Figueroa, who with his wife, Evelyn, have set out to revolutionize the Prevost conversion industry.

Nelson and Evelyn have been rooted in the luxury coach, yacht and aviation industries for more than 20 years. Known for pushing the envelope, their hands-on, custom approach is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Even today, as Millennium now employs more than 50 men and women at its 100,000-square-foot sales and production facility in Sanford, Florida, Nelson prefers the grease and sweat of working elbow-deep in the underside of a coach to any kind of posh owner’s office. Meanwhile, Evelyn keeps the business running smoothly while spearheading the design and materials selection for the new coaches Millennium builds and sells each year. The combination of a die-hard engineer and a style-conscious businesswoman has led to tremendous growth and success at Millennium. Your “home away from home” should have all the comforts you expect to find at home. Each Millennium Luxury Coach is equipped with a Lutron home-automation operating system that provides fluid, reliable control with seamless connectivity. This sophisticated, hi-leel integration allows for complete user control. Change the channel, adjust the air conditioning or lower the shades all at the touch of a button from the comfort of your armchair. Transform your space and your mood with custom lighting programs, all easily tailored to your preferences. Add one-button touch features to set your favorite music station or adjust the temperature, and the stage has been set for you… the star of the show. “Here at Millennium, we believe making a coach livable requires a radical technique: we spend time living in the coaches we build. It’s as simple as that, but it makes all the difference,” Evelyn explains. 

“Whenever we are designing or building something new in one of our coaches, whether it’s a new electrical sub-system or arrangement of the kitchen or bath, we take a coach out during the conversion process and live in it for a few days. By the time we get back, we know that this electrical outlet should be in a different place, or the closet should be this much wider, or if we design the control system a little differently, an owner can accomplish a common task in one step instead of three. These are things that you’ll never discover by looking at the diagrams or piecing the coach together in the shop. Until you actually put your family in it and use it just like an owner will, you’ll never be able to design and build it to a level where the owner will feel totally at home. Owners may never understand exactly why our coach just feels so much more comfortable and livable than others, but we do, because we discovered and created those differences ourselves.” It’s in these areas, one subtlety at a time, that Millennium Luxury Coaches has earned its reputation for excellence and an unmatched degree of livable comfort among the growing community of high-end coach owners.

Personal Service and Support
The personal service and support extended to each coach and to each owner is also why Millennium has quietly become one of Prevost’s most valued converters. “We’ve taken the Lutron system one step further by combining it with a persistent, over-the-air, high-speed Internet connection built into every coach,” says Nelson. “While parked at a campsite, or even driving down the road, a Millennium coach’s systems can be monitored, controlled, and even repaired from any Web-enabled device, including the computers in the Millennium service department in Sanford. Also, Millennium’s iPhone app allows complete control of your coach, even when you’ve had to leave it behind. Using an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or laptop computer, you can control the Lutron system remotely. If you forgot to turn on your generator’s auto start feature, for example, just remotely log-in and adjust settings. Better still, call one of our helpful technicians and we can make the adjustment for you.”Making residential amenities and technology roadworthy takes another dose of innovation, particularly with regard to weight. Millennium Luxury Coaches prides itself on building the lightest coaches in its class while packing in higher-quality materials and more features than the competition. The dichotomy is possible thanks to Millennium’s experience in avionics and the luxury yacht industry. Just as in boats and planes, every ounce of weight in Millennium coaches is scrutinized, and the company has created some intriguing techniques to keep the weight off while
building more luxury in. Millennium uses a custom milling process for every square-foot of granite in its coaches. The proprietary procedure creates a layer of granite much thinner (and lighter) than what is found in homes or other coaches. The stone is then backed with fiberglass for durability before it is finished and installed. Because so much weight is saved in the milling, granite is not just reserved for countertops in Millennium coaches. Full shower enclosures and entire floors can be done in granite as well, a feat that is impossible in other coaches. Other weight-saving tactics include the use of a specially imported Italian poplar for all of the cabinetry in a Millennium coach. The much-lighter poplar is then faced with genuine burl wood, never laminate — another Millennium signature. Less weight means better fuel economy, safer road handling, and ultimately a much more livable coach. There are no compromises. Nothing has been spared. The finest materials and custom design expertise go hand-in-hand at Millennium

New Improved Megabus Is Being Launched

 

 

Megabus Gold - Stagecoach Glasgow SF13FMC 

Pictured in Stagecoach London's West Ham Garage on 17/04/13 is brand new Stagecoach Glasgow Megabus Gold Van Hool coach SF13FMC (although not carrying any 'plates at the time) seen having just arrived in Stagecoach London's West Ham Garage for the first time.

There will be 10 of these brand new Megabus Gold coaches to replace the articulated coaches currently in use and expand the sleeper coach network. Unlke the artics these double deckers are convertible for both day and night use.
The coach had arrived at West Ham to be prepared for the launch of the Megabus Gold brand at the O2 the following day.

The new Megabus – now featuring beds and onesies

Anyone who has ever experienced a sleepless night on the Glasgow to London Megabus, listening to an empty can of Tennents Super rolling around the aisle, will be delighted to know that a new improved Megabus is being launched – with BEDS.


Customers using the new sleepercoaches, serving 11 Scottish cities, will also get a toothbrush, eyemask and (KILL ME NOW) a branded Megabus onesie included in the ticket price.
Stagecoach, owners of the Megabus enterprise, yesterday unveiled their new £5m fleet, which will take passengers from both Edinburgh and Glasgow to London in 7 hours 50 minutes.
Owner Sir Brian Souter, (who was once a vocal supporter of homophobic legislation Clause 28), modelled the super camp onesie for its launch, and tried to make it seem cool by saying:

‘It used to be just popstars that had beds on board their tour buses, now everyone can benefit from a comfortable, great value overnight journey.’


So basically, you can lie down in a slow, rumbling tin can all night dressed like a baby while someone called Tam across the aisle sticks his willy out of the zipper and pees into an empty bottle of Buckfast.

Can Bagport be Applied to Bus Terminals

 Bagport is a well-known provider for terminal and passenger’s baggage services at airport locations

Bagport is a well-known provider for terminal and passenger’s baggage services at airport locations around the world – services that aim for an improved passenger experience, services airports do not have the resources to take care of. Engaging bagport on a management or concession basis the airport will not have to worry about it anymore. bagport takes care of it. The airport neither has to invest into staff nor into carts, lockers, wrapping machines etc., but can benefit from additional income.
Through the years, the bagport Group has achieved an outstanding record for the quality and integrity of its services and products performed for its customers.

Terminal and Passenger Baggage Services

bagport offers a range of customer and baggage services that ease an airport’s daily tasks and make their travellers feel supported and comfortable. bagport’s experience shows that passengers appreciate having the choice for services to be rendered and will use them when needed.
bagport consults the airport to compose their customized service package that fits the airport’s requirements. The airports may compile their individual package from several modules:

1. Baggage Cart Management (Cart Vending Systems)
2. Lost Property Management (“MissingX”)
3. Porter Services
4. Baggage Storage
5. Self Service Lockers
6. Baggage Protection (Luggage Wrapping or Sealing)
7. MailandFly (Mail solution at Security Control)
8. Business Partners Concepts (Franchise)

Bus Porter Services

Single passengers and travel groups can relax and enjoy their travel. bagport takes care of their baggage.
The airport porters can either be pre-booked or called when the passenger arrives at the airport. The porters will gladly assist in checking in all baggage.

Biometric Terminal Lockers

bagport offers the possibility of storage in modern self service lockers which except coins, credit cards and biometric safe access features. The biometric airport lockers are ideal for the storage of personal items such as luggage, shopping bags and sports equipment. The solid construction of this system provides a very high level of protection against vandalism and theft.

No capital expenditures
Airports mainly benefit from bagport as they engage bagport without capital expenditures. bagport supplies their services to airports on a concession basis. As part of the concept hardware, systems and staffing will be implemented by bagport. bagport generates profits directly from the passenger or from advertisement. With this solution airports will not have to invest any capital into something which is not their core competence

High quality and specialised equipment – always improving
bagport’s products are well developed combining staff’s knowledge and experience, high quality equipment and smart IT-solutions. Working close together with international oriented Suppliers, bagport keeps improving their equipment. They design and develop new equipment and software for an optimised application – always considering the special requirements of airport facilities.

                                   Click to View - Bagport Handling Systems

 

 

Refurbishment Facility Completes 400th

 

         ABC's Refurbishment Facility Completes 400th 

ABC Companies proudly announces the completion and delivery of the 400th Greyhound refurbished bus for North America’s largest intercity carrier. Launched in late 2010, the Greyhound Fleet Revitalization Program was designed to enhance the Greyhound passenger trip experience by giving the fleet’s MCI-model motorcoaches an overall facelift.

 Multi-Year Program :

As part of a multi-year program to refurbish the fleet, Greyhound vehicles have been arriving at ABC’s state-of-the-art dedicated refurbishment facility in Nappanee, Indiana, to undergo a process designed to recondition units from bumper-to-bumper. The first of the modernized Greyhound coaches rolled out of the facility in September 2011, entirely refurbished for less than the cost of a new motorcoach.

  Partnership with Greyhound :

“We are so proud of this partnership with Greyhound,” states Lee Loper, Sr. Vice President - Refurbishment for ABC Companies. “From the start, we understood their vision toward revitalizing the Greyhound brand and welcomed the challenge to meeting and exceeding their requirements.”
Each bus passes through 25 separate work stations during the refurbishment process which takes approximately 45 days to complete. Upgrades to the original coaches include WiFi, 110V outlets, LED lighting, leatherette passenger seating and extra legroom, as well as wheelchair lifts.

The Fleet :

“Greyhound continues to improve the travel experience for customers,” said Bill Blankenship, COO, Greyhound Lines, Inc. “The fleet revitalization program allows us to take the workhorse of our fleet and upgrade it to like-new condition, with more comfortable seating and modern amenities on an environmentally friendly vehicle.”

 A Strong Workforce :

A strong workforce of mechanics, detailers, upholstery experts, technicians, and team members working at the ABC/Greyhound Nappanee facility have contributed to the success of the Greyhound Fleet Revitalization program since its inception. ABC Companies continues to refurbish and deliver approximately 19 revitalized Greyhound coaches each month. 

“This initiative has been a game changer for both organizations,” states Jon Savitz, Senior Vice President, Business Development for ABC Companies. “We look forward to celebrating more milestones with Greyhound and continuing to expand ABC’s refurbishment services.”


Greyhound is the largest North American provider of intercity bus transportation, serving 3,800 destinations across the continent. The company also provides Greyhound Package Express (GPX) and charter services. In 2010, it introduced Greyhound Express, which provides direct service between major cities on new buses equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, comfortable leather seats and extra legroom. Since its inception, Express has rapidly expanded to serve more than 70 markets in North America. For fare and schedule information and to buy tickets, call 1-800-231-2222 or visit the Web site at www.greyhound.com. Follow Greyhound on Twitter for the latest news and travel deals at http://twitter.com/GreyhoundBus and “Like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GreyhoundBus.

ABOUT ABC COMPANIES

ABC Companies is a leading provider to the transportation industry with diverse product and service offerings that cover a full spectrum of operational needs including new and pre-owned full size highway coach equipment, mid-size shuttle transport vehicles, and advanced design heavy duty transit equipment. A nationwide after sale service network supports customers with maintenance and repairs, collision services and a full parts inventory of OEM and quality aftermarket parts. Private and municipal financing and leasing options are also available through the company's financial services group - one of the largest financial service providers within the industry. For more information, contact ABC Companies at 1-800-222-2875 or visit the company web site at www.abc-companies.com.