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As coach operators are seeking solutions to keep their traveling passengers safe in the age of this pandemic, Irizar USA, the exclusive U.S. dealer and distributor of Irizar motorcoaches, has debuted several new products that can help with those efforts.
Irizar's passenger shields
Plexiglass barriers have been popping up as the first line of defense in many industries, and has been recommended for use by OSHA in vehicles to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, so Irizar has innovated shields that protect drivers and passengers alike. The clear shields are easily bolted around the driver’s cabin and on the back of each seat to provide an additional level of safety without impacting visibility or impeding conversation between passengers. These partitions fit all Irizar models, are removable, and can be installed by Irizar service professionals or by your own maintenance team.
The fear of breathing “recycled” air in a closed space has long been cited as a concern for passengers who want to travel but worry about exposure to viruses. For a more active method of protection, the eco3 air purifier—developed by Irizar’s sister company Hispacold—attaches to the HVAC system and uses negative ionic technology, which can be effective in reducing viruses, bacteria, unpleasant odors, and allergens consistently throughout the cabin while the system is running, according to Irizar USA President Axier Etxezarreta. He says that 24-volt unit has a negligible impact on energy consumption and is virtually maintenance-free.
Additionally, temperature checks have become another way to protect traveling passengers, and has been considered by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) as a future screening tool at airports. For coach passengers, Irizar now offers a camera system through its sister company Datik that not only checks for elevated temperature, but also ensures that the passenger is in compliance with a facemask. Before boarding, the passenger is thermally scanned by a camera. Datik specializes in IT safety solutions for transportation as part of the Irizar Group.
Irizar's driver shield
“It works like a traffic light,” says Etxezarreta. “If the passenger’s temperature is greater than 99.5 F (37.5 C), the screen turns red. In many countries, wearing a facemask is compulsory. If the passenger is not wearing a facemask, the screen displays yellow. The camera also counts the number of passengers as they board to help companies limit the number and ensure social distancing. The information is shared with the driver and can be linked to company’s head office when the vehicle is connected to the net.”
To complement deep cleaning and disinfection of buses after a tour, Irizar also offers an atomizer that releases a mist throughout the cabin that can also infiltrate those hard-to-reach crevices with your EPA-approved solution of choice. The shields can also be cleaned with EPA-approved solutions (a list can be found here).
“As we learn more about the disease, we will continue to develop our products to help keep passengers safe,” Etxezarreta says.
Datik's camera scans for temperature and facemasks
“The information we have about this virus is very fluid, and we have a technologically savvy team available to develop additional items that may be required for transportation in the future,” says VP of Sales and Marketing Jason Rounsaville.
Irizar, Datik and Hispacold products, all part of the Irizar Group, are sold in more than 95 countries. As this is truly a global pandemic, its research and development teams use data across companies and from leading health organizations all around the world to improve its products and create solutions with COVID-19 in mind. These products will also be available for factory installation on all new I6 models moving forward.
The sales and service teams are available for more information about or installation of any of these products, including on-site installation. Visit irizarusa.com or call 916.802.9802 for more information.
[05.26.20]
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The National Limousine Association (NLA) announced last week that it has postponed its annual Day on the Hill, an important event in the association’s calendar for members to gather and collectively lobby members of Congress on behalf of the industry. While the current conditions in the capital forced the NLA to rethink its event, the association’s efforts behind the scenes have been robust to ensure that the need for aid for the industry is being recognized.
“While we had to postpone this year's Day on the Hill (originally scheduled for June 10th), I have never felt more confident that our industry is being strongly represented in Washington, D.C.,” said NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide in his weekly President’s Letter. “The most important aspect of Day on the Hill is representing our industry with a specific ‘ask’ and fortunately, our voice is definitely being heard, thanks in large part to our lobbying team at Cornerstone Government Affairs and hard-working Legislative Committee. Knowing we have the support of Cornerstone working on our behalf, made the right decision of postponing this event easier.”
Since the national emergency began, NLA has been working closely with Cornerstone and other associations to ensure that the industry’s broad interests are fully represented. NLA’s COVID-19 resource page includes near-daily updates on the legislative front. It also recently co-signed letters to Congress through the U.S. Chamber in request for aid and liability protections for those businesses on the frontlines. Those letters and other COVID-19 resources are available on its dedicated page.
Looking ahead, NLA has also been ramping up efforts with its various committees and recently announced its new members for the 2020-2021 term.
It includes:
CD/NLA Show Education: Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus (co-chair), Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide (co-chair), Alan Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine, Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousines, Chad Casey of Casey Corporate Transportation, Colin Devine of Devine’s Worldwide, Sami Elotmani of Destination MCO, Robyn Goldenberg of Strategy Leaders, Athena Grimm of BAC Transportation, Andy Hernandez of CTA Worldwide, Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation, and Scott Woodruff of Majestic Limo & Coach.
Technology & Social Media Committee: Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousines (co-chair), Jay Erlich of Europe Limousine Service (co-chair), Gary Arrington of 540 Party Bus, Mike Denning of Elegant Limousines, Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus, and Josh Roman of Heaven on Wheels.
Recognizing the hardships that all industry operators are currently facing, and the importance of sharing knowledge to protect and advocate for chauffeured transportation when it needs it the most, NLA has announced that it has extended its deferred membership dues until August 31 (originally June 30) for all new members who join between now and the deadline. New members would have immediate access to “test drive” all of the association’s benefits, programs, and offerings (except voting rights until paid in full) at this critical time, with no obligation to continue membership after the end of August. Operators can join here.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[05.26.20]
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Vice President Mike Pence joined Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and leaders from the Florida tourism industry this past Wednesday, May 20, for a roundtable in Orlando devoted to the recovery of hospitality and tourism, which is a large part of the Sunshine State’s economy and one that has been severely impacted during the COVID-19 crisis. As the state begins to emerge from its lockdown, including plans to reopen many internationally visited theme parks in Central Florida, the leaders addressed ways that the government could continue to help the travel and tourism industries that will be slower to recover in the coming months.
Transportation Management Services CEO Frank Sherman
Among the gaggle of industry professionals urging common-sense precautions during the reopening was U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Roger Dow, who most recently participated in the NLA’s No Operator Left Behind Virtual Summit, as well as Transportation Management Services (TMS) CEO Frank Sherman, who spoke on behalf of the motorcoach industry. TMS coordinates global, large-scale events in more than 250 cities and calls on motorcoach operators to help him move attendees.
“Mr. Vice President, we couldn’t do our job without the motorcoach industry,” Sherman said. “And we believe the tourism industry can’t come back without bus operators.”
Sherman noted that the industry represents 3,000 companies and 100,000-plus employees that contribute $8B in direct and indirect impact to Florida’s economy—but also $100B in impact that intersects with more than 2 million jobs nationwide. Sherman commented that Florida operators make the lion’s share of their profits in the early part of the year, but that the shutdown “completely wiped that out.”
A C-SPAN clip from the roundtable
“The American Bus Association tells us by October, 75 percent of those businesses will be gone, will be shut down. They cannot make it unless they get a $10 billion grant. I felt like I needed to speak for my vendors in the bus community … and whoever I can talk to I want to talk to them because it’s going to be important,” he said.
Calling Sherman a “great champion” for the industry, the Vice President acknowledged the scope of the challenge, noting that operators “do great work” and have a record of safe operation.
“I'll carry that back as we think about going forward, but opening up America is how we fill up buses too,” said Pence. Adding, “We’ll go to work.”
The full clip of Sherman’s address to the roundtable can be heard here.
[05.21.20]