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    Arrow Stage Lines and H&L Charter Win MCI-Sponsored 2017 Green Spirit Award

    Jan. 25, 2017
    Motor Coach Industries (MCI) announced that the MCI-sponsored ABA Green Spirit Award was given to two leaders in environmentally friendly transportation this year.
    Related To: Motor Coach Industries (MCI)
    MCI
    Winners gathered with MCI at the company's booth are from left: David Kestenbaum, who developed eRating, a program of the University of Vermont's Certification for Sustainable Transportation; Elaine Fickett, president H & L Charter, Ian Smart, MCI President; Jodie Merritt, vice president H & L Charter; Patrick Scully, MCI Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Pat Ziska, MCI Vice President of New Coach Sales; TJ Morgan, president of Citizen Auto Stage, Tucson, Arizona, and Chair of the ABA environmental committee, along with Arrow Stages Lin.
    Winners gathered with MCI at the company's booth are from left: David Kestenbaum, who developed eRating, a program of the University of Vermont's Certification for Sustainable Transportation; Elaine Fickett, president H & L Charter, Ian Smart, MCI President; Jodie Merritt, vice president H & L Charter; Patrick Scully, MCI Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing; Pat Ziska, MCI Vice President of New Coach Sales; TJ Morgan, president of Citizen Auto Stage, Tucson, Arizona, and Chair of the ABA environmental committee, along with Arrow Stages Lin.

    Motor Coach Industries (MCI) announced that the MCI-sponsored ABA Green Spirit Award was given to two leaders in environmentally friendly transportation this year. Arrow Stage Lines of Norfolk, Nebraska, took the large operator title and H & L Charter of Rancho Cucamonga, California, won as the smaller operator.

    Industry peers chose the winners because of their leading programs that improve motor coach fuel efficiency by limiting idling and encouraging good driving practices, among other environmentally beneficial operating procedures. The tenth annual awards were presented during ABA Marketplace, January 14-17 in Cleveland.

    Arrow hits the mark in the large operator category

    With 13 locations, Arrow Stage Lines' environmental focus rests on three specific advantages: staff and drivers committed to green activities throughout the company; a large, young fleet of low emissions coaches; and a strategy promoting the green benefits of travel by motor coach to its customers. All of Arrow's drivers are required to complete online courses that build environmentally responsible practices, including instruction in professional driving tips, and other courses offered through MCI's Learning Management System. Onsite classroom time at Arrow locations also reinforces green principles, along with its membership in IMG (International Motorcoach Group). IMG is a network of operators coast to coast committed to high standards in safety, motorcoach maintenance, customer service, driver training, equipment, operations and on-road support.

    H & L Charter's big green message in the small operator category

    H & L Charter operates a fleet of 13 vehicles, which are certified as green transportation through eRating, a certification program that recognizes sustainable forms of transportation. H & L Charter's drivers learn how to employ eco-driving techniques in their regular driving routines, and earn idle-free certification by completing online training courses offered under the program. H & L Charter also utilizes a GPS system that monitor drivers' behaviors regarding speed, idling and hard braking. The company encourages reducing speed and idling times by recognizing and rewarding drivers with the lowest numbers monthly. H & L Charter also recycles oil, tires, cans, bottles, paper, fluorescent tubes, batteries, e-components and printer ink among other items as part of their green-friendly business practices.

    MCI's green message

    "MCI congratulates Arrow Stage Lines and H & L Charter for upholding the highest standards in environmental sustainability and responsibility," said Pat Ziska, MCI vice president of New Coach Sales."Most notably, 2017 marks the debut of the latest generation of EPA-compliant engines, and MCI is putting these environmental advances to good use. Our operators make a huge difference in our nation's environmental progress." MCI announced on January 12 that it is in the early stages of developing fully electric coaches based on the industry's best-selling MCI J4500 model.

    The MCI-sponsored ABA Green Spirit Award drives home the message that motorcoach travel is one of the greenest modes of transportation, taking as many as 56 cars off already crowded roads every trip, and has the support of the Certification for Sustainable Transportation program, an extension of the University of Vermont. Led by director David Kestenbaum, eRating, is a vehicle-based certification, and does not represent the certification of a company or organization as a whole. However, owning certified vehicles is a sign that a motorcoach operator is committed to sustainable transportation.

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