Martz Trailways Enters Next Era
12 New MCI Coaches Featuring Three-point Seatbelts SCHAUMBURG, Ill. June 11, 2009 -Celebrating 101 years, Martz Trailways enters its next century with a delivery of 12 MCI coaches with wheelchair lifts, three-point seatbelts, and other safety advances. Martz' seven MCI® J4500 and five MCI D4505 coaches come equipped with several technological advances to improve passengers and drivers' safety, including electronic stability control, Smartwave tire pressure monitoring, drive-cam and GPS systems. The delivery follows the company's purchase of 30 MCI coaches last year, when Martz marked its centennial. "We're continuing our annual purchase of motorcoaches to maintain our standard and desired average age of our fleet," said Scott Henry, president of Martz Trailways. "We're committed to MCI and giving our passengers the very best in technological advances. By going with seatbelts, we are ahead of the curve. It's good to have them as an option for passengers to use," said Henry, who has noticed quite a few riders choosing to wear them. While there are no regulations requiring seatbelts, MCI began to offer them as an option on its 2009 models. Martz drivers also play a customized passenger safety CD prior to each departure, highlighting the coach's safety features, exits and other related information. Martz is passionate about safety. The company requires each driver to take a minimum of 168 hours of classroom and on-the-road training, along with a special course on security awareness. The company is currently converting a coach to be equipped with the MCI Coach Driving Stimulator that will travel to Martz locations to advance further safety initiatives. Martz' safety managers recertify drivers annually. Safety is just part of the Martz quality program. Henry also embraces the shift to clean-diesel engine technology and the environmental benefits of motor coach travel. "Promoting the green-effect is helping to build public awareness, and that's good for our industry," said Henry. Craig Smith, CEO of the complete Martz Group of companies, added that the purchase of the new MCI coaches demonstrates its commitment to its customers and the goal of providing them with the best service possible. "Despite the challenging economy, we remain optimistic and dedicated to offering safe, reliable and courteous service at an affordable price to those that rely on us each and every day," said Smith. Founded in Plymouth, PA, in 1908 by Frank Martz to transport area coal miners to their jobs, the company first known as White Transit Company is today a multi-state enterprise that spans the East Coast from Pennsylvania to Florida. The company took the Martz name in 1922. Martz Trailways, a founding company of the Trailways system in 1936, is part of the Martz Group enterprises, which includes National Coach Trailways (VA), Gold Line Trailways/Gray Line (DC), and First Class Trailways (FL) operations, as well as Martz Travel. Martz Trailways (PA) operates schedule service to New York, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City. To learn more, visit www.martzgroup.com. XXXX Motor Coach Industries, headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., is the leading builder of intercity, over-the-road coaches for the tour, charter, line-haul, scheduled service, commuter transit and conversion markets in the U.S. and Canada. The company builds the industry's two best-selling models and operates seven sales centers and eight service centers in the U.S. and Canada. MCI offers a network of aftermarket services including parts supply for most makes and models. Visit www.mcicoach.com
Additionally, Robert Chepalonis, general manager of Martz Trailways' Wilkes-Barre location, reported that his facility completed Department of Transportation's (DOT) commercial vehicle safety inspection and compliance review in May, achieving the highest rating of Satisfactory.
