Michigan operator charts expansion

CLIO, Mich. -- Blue Lakes Charters & Tours, a central Michigan-based operator that is expanding into southeastern Michigan and northern Ohio, has purchased six new Van Hool coaches to support its growth plans.
Blue Lakes' President Dave Cupp said the company has acquired property for its expansion in Luna Pier, Mich., which is along Interstate 75, south of Detroit near the Ohio state line. Construction of a 10,000-square-foot satellite facility will begin in the spring, with completion expected by late next summer.
Blue Lakes, which has a fleet of 60 coaches, is acquiring three Van Hool C2000s and three T2145 coaches from ABC Companies. With the new coaches, Van Hools will account for more than one-third of the Blue Lakes fleet.
The 57-passenger C models and 58-passenger T coaches will be equipped with Amaya seating, REI A/V systems with six monitors, Goodyear tires, and Isringhausen driver seats.
Blue Lakes prides itself on being a full-service tour destination management company that can accommodate a wide range of groups for company, church and school outings, as well as sporting events. This fall, it provided shuttle transportation for upwards of 10,000 spectators each day during the 2004 Ryder Cup (golf) Matches at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
The 15-year-old company also offers sightseeing, convention planning, airport transport and other travel services. Four years ago, it won the United Motorcoach Association Vision Award for creative marketing.
"We take pride in our fleet, and consider the addition of these beautiful new Van Hools an investment toward the continued growth of our operation," said Cupp.

MCI offers incentive to mark Holland America purchase

SEATTLE -- Holland America Tours has taken delivery of nine MCI E4500 coaches, including its 50th E model, further expanding its luxury fleet.
To mark the milestone, MCI is awarding a free Holland America cruise to operators that purchase and take delivery of an MCI J4500 stock coach by Dec. 31.
"The travel incentive provides an opportunity for operators to take advantage of bonus depreciation and benefit from MCI's long . . . relationship with Holland America," said Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president of major accounts and marketing.
Holland America's new E coaches will be used for its Alaska cruise tours and land vacations, as well as Pacific Northwest tours and charters.
The E4500s feature Caterpillar C13 engines, ZF AS-Tronic transmissions and seats by National Seating. They also have Carrier A/Cs; REI A/V systems with six monitors and CD, VCR and DVD capabilities; R.C.A. flooring, and National driver seats. Three of the coaches have Ricon wheelchair lifts.
To accommodate the highways and dirt roads of Alaska, Holland America modifies its coaches to include under-body rock guards, along with an interior air filtration system and auxiliary filters.
"The advantage, found on both the E4500 and J4500 coaches, is the way the tiered seating gives our guests the effect of 12 front seats," said David Beagle, vice president of transportation for Holland America Line.
With a fleet of more than 320 motorcoaches, including 56 E4500s, Holland America is North America's ninth-largest private coach operator, as well as the largest cruise line serving Alaska and Canada's Yukon.
The company's coach operations include Holland America Tours, Gray Line of Alaska, Evergreen Trails Inc., Gray Line of Seattle and Horizon Coach Lines in Vancouver, B.C.
For more information go to www.hollandamerica.com.
For additional information about MCI's cruise incentive program, including special financing, call its special toll-free number, (800) 468-5827.

Southeastern Stages, Atlanta

Southeastern Stages Inc., which operates a fleet of 30 motorcoaches, has added another Prevost H3-45 to its fleet.
Michael Dickson, company president, said he acquired the new Prevost because "many of our passengers specifically request a Prevost H3-45 for their charter tours. They appreciate its panoramic view and class-leading comfort. We are giving our customers what they want, resulting in significant business growth here at Southeastern.
"In addition, our Prevost experience extends to their excellent sales and service support over the years. It's a great product, with superior service and a great working relationship. That's why we're a proud Prevost customer."
Southeastern Stages, which has served travelers since 1933, provides regularly scheduled bus, charter coach and group tour services. Its line-run service is between several cities in Georgia and the Carolinas. The charter services operate throughout the U.S. and Canada.
The company's newest Prevost is equipped with a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, Allison B500 transmission, Jake Brake, REI A/V-DVD system with four monitors, National passenger and driver seating, Firestone tires mounted on Alcoa wheels, and Altro Flooring.

University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland has expanded its fleet of four Setra S417 luxury coaches by adding a fifth S417. The coaches are used to transport athletic teams and student groups. The university transportation services department operates as an independent charter business that bids on transportation services needed by other campus departments and organizations.
The coaches also serve as traveling billboards as they roam the U.S., and "have actually served us well as a recruiting tool," said David Allen, director of transportation services for the university.
Each the S417s has a custom paint scheme using the school's logo, colors and turtle mascot - the terrapin. And, the custom designed interiors feature black, red and silver upholstery on the Setra seats with "Terps" embroidered in the headrests.
The newest S417 also is equipped with a Ricon wheelchair lift.
"The coach's independent front suspension gives it a great ride that you don't get from the other coaches," said Allen. "From the tons of positive feedback we've received, we're confident our groups travel first class in the Setra coaches and they know it."