a buffet is the quickest fastest way to feed a big group of people, and the best way to give them healthy food choices, buffets usually take about 40 minuites to feed a bus load, "fast food" can easily take an hour and a half
I sure do miss driving motorcoach so I enjoy traveling with you, I got my cdl in 1992 and no longer able to drive due to health issues, I can watch your videos all day that's how much I enjoyed driving motorcoach
The company I currently work for is actually featured in this video. Shown at 15:49, I work for EAC (Express Air Coach) out of Lafayette, IN. This video reminds me of the three years I spent working for Reindeer Shuttle in West Lafayette, IN doing line runs every weekend from Purdue to O'Hare. We even had the same stop order as you (5, 1, 2, 3, SC). Thanks for the videos - Buses make me smile!
Yes I see you guys all over the place. Do you guys still have a stop in Urbana champaign? I know you guys started a line run out of Urbana Champaign for a while.
@@JWangvlogs - I think EAC tried that for a bit, but I think that ended at the end of this latest school year. They have instead expanded in northern IN to replace the now-defunct Airport Express.
I always wake up so I have 1 hour of “me time” after I get dressed before I leave home. During that hour I at least make a couple fried eggs and have some fruit. If I don’t take care of me I can’t take care of my passengers.
@@mattcrosby2781 Hey thanks Matt. Out fleet coordinator is the guy that usually assigned vehicles. Older coaches are typically used more on shuttles, and local trips as well as bar and party groups. Also we typically use them a lot in line rubs but not in move out days when luggage is heavy
Hey, just found your videos and channel by accident. I’m a coach driver in Australia and am finding your videos very interesting. Always wanted to do bus/coach driving in the US!
I was amazed and surprised when you teased going downtown for "Original" I admit my disappointment that your practicality and common sense overruled your urges. Thanks for always making your everyday interesting, enjoyable and good feeling. Best Regards
James, while I am on your 44th video (charlie is snickering) @5:39, would you please pick up some coffee for me, black with milk, no sugar, so that I can continue to sit here and watch the rest of your video picking up the students at the university. Thanks mahn! 😂. What’s that beautiful music @6:33 ? @8:18 Ouch, did the bus bumper just kiss the curb??? Just love it, @14:10 Don’t drivers gas up their assigned bus for the day when come back to the yard?? @18:14
Great video! I am so proud that you thought of your company first. Also it goes to show you have learned from your mistakes you mentioned and one of your first videos how you had planned a date and you were going to show up in your biggest expensive vehicle and became unprofessional! You have absolutely move forward become a true professional! Your videos get better every time. Great job and once again a great video. Keep up the super work!
7:50, I’m like hey! Ain’t that the guy from the last video I saw (the two day college charter) haha. Cool to see he drives but also performs other duties.
I'm in the process of catching up on your videos. Always fascinating stuff. Plus, it's great to see all that old familiar turf in the Chicagoland area. I grew up around there before moving to Houston in '70. It's like going home.
Loved your video. Reminded me of years back was attending University of Mo, Columbia and "rode the dog" quite often between Columbia, Mo and St. Louis. Also, u were right, that iced coffee looked like ice tea. They owe u one. Thanks for taking us along.
Yup, that's what a line run day usually looks like. And that squirming in the seat in traffic was very familiar. It's the I'm hungry, traffic is the pits and I just want to get home wiggles.
Hello James, happy business is booming for you guys! I really enjoy your motorcoach vlogs, also glad to see everyone working as a well oiled team! Kudos to you and your family, hope all is well. Till next time "Toodles" 🚌❤️💯
When I have dropped at O'Hare I would do the domestic terminals first. I find that to be faster, especially since I have to pass Terminal 5 when I leave T3 anyway. Plus there's a turn off on the Bessie Coleman ramp that allows you to access the upper level of T5 without going to the light at the end of the ramp. When loading at O'Harw, it makes total sense to load at Terminal 5 first, then proceed to the Bus Shuttle Center. Did your loaders organize the luggage by terminals? That also speeds up the process. If you drop at Terminal 1 first that empties half your load. By the time you drop at Terminal 3, you won't have to dig out the international passenger luggage, which also tends to be the heaviest. Great video.
Yes our loaders do load by destination. Makes it so much easier for the drivers. We don't go to terminal one or 3. We just drop of at terminal 2 as far as domestic terminals go. We like to drop off at international terminal 5 first so that our international travelers can get to their flight first. It takes them Long to get through the Gates. Thanks KingArthur
Great video James! I haven't done a line run for many years! I like the idea of luggage loaders, here in Australia, we call them drivers! Lol, many time have I climbed into the bus for a long drive, all hot and sweaty! I look forward to your next trip, stay safe!
Hey Kathrine. Yes we used to not have loaders and drivers did that then shelves. But on these big move out days, not only does it wear the drivers out, it also caused delays. So I started hiring loading teams. Makes life easier for everyone
Great video! Too mad there's no helpers to unload the luggage for you! Also, I like how you mention you are out of shape and they go on to say you need a hot dog, LOL. Lastly, amazed at how you can drink an iced coffee without going to the washroom for 3 hours. Coffee always make me need to go, lol.
Hey James! I’ve just started to watch your channel over this past week. Although I do not have a deep interest in buses, this content is very appealing!
If it weren't for all the luggage I probably would have taken the d. Unfortunately those d models have such small luggage bays we would have really had a struggle
James. I enjoyed the ride to O'Hare with you but I noticed you didn't wear your seatbelt while driving to work and I use a device to grab the luggage so I don't have to climb into the bays. It saves my back and my knees. I'd be happy to tell you how to make one.
we have a bunch of those devices. And some of our drivers do use them. I just feel like its faster this way. Maybe one day i will give in and decide to use one.
Actually I was wearing my seat belt. If you look closely its way off to my left shoulder. one the way back it stopped retracting properly. So it had a lot of slack. Never the less I still wore it. Our techs repaired it when I got in the garage.
Hi James. I sometimes take a line run from San Francisco Airport to Marin County, California (Marin Airporter is the company). They also load by destination, depending on the drop off terminal, or destination point in Marin. At San Francisco International Airport, they drop off and pick up at different locations (they cannot drop off and pickup Terminal 1 passengers at the same location). The order of stops I believe are: Drop off Terminal 1, Drop Off Terminal 2, Drop off Terminal 3, Drop off and pickup International Terminal, Pickup Terminal 1, Pickup Terminal 2, and Pickup Terminal 3 (someone correct me if I'm wrong if you're familiar with the Marin Airporter).
Great video glad to see business returning not only for the company but especially for the drivers. I watched the section with the young lady baggage handler twice she was a hustler with the baggage. I could have used her back in my day. I always read other people's comments and one commenter asked if you explained emergency procedures the last time I rode on a J4500 the driver played a video by MCI explaining the emergency procedure. Does PCC use these videos? Under normal line haul schedules making all stops doesn't it take about 4 hours to O'Hara and 4 hours back? Great video thanks.
Hey Robert! Yes she was awesome. It's hard to find good people that are enthusiastic about their jobs. Fortunately we have a bunch of them on our team and that makes the company everything that it is. Yes we have the safety DVDs to that explains all about the emergency exits.
@@paulreed563 lol 🤣 no need to be sorry. You sound like my parents. I do make it a point to always wear a seat belt when I'm behind the wheel of a coach. But sometimes in my POV I get lazy. But you're right I should put my seatbelt on always. Apologies if I came across snarky I didn't mean to be.
Great video, I do a similar thing for the company I work for in the uk albeit ours is ran on behalf of megabus from Manchester to London via Heathrow, and the return leg is London to Manchester via Heathrow & Birmingham although I have a feeder driver who takes the coach off me between Birmingham & Manchester otherwise I’d go over my hours. I like the idea of loaders though as packing many bags onto the coach can be pretty tiring before a stint driving, especially with the weight of some of them, makes you wonder what on earth people must pack to travel
James: I’m really out of shape! Also James: I need a hotdog! All jokes aside really want to try driving a motor coach or even and rear engine bus in general coming from a traditional school bus
Lol! Yeah that was the same McDonald's I went to last time when you commented about the Arby's. If you notice the parking lot it's empty in the building is dark. We do have another Arby's in town I think they are open. Does Arby's have iced coffee.
294 is a big mess. Last I went through there was a year ago. They have been taking such a long time on there. In Retry much avoid 294 as much as possible towards O’Hare and from O’Hare. I think they started that construction a year before COVID started
Hey! How are your routes planned? GPS specific for your vehicles to what ways you can go for charters and other runs? How does that work? If you have a video on this, let me know link :) Thank you!
I understand being in a tight bind, driving is a blast but like everything else, it has its moments. An awesome video I'm looking forward to the next video. Take care.
Good to see you back up and running James.. It's a far cry from. 2020 when you guys had to shut down for the big C. I'm happy to see your busy again.. Maybe now, we'll go get our passenger endorsement and come drive for you. We been on the road and haven't had time to catch up with the videos until now. Hope to see more and thanks for sharing.. Herbie & Mary..
@@ianmackenzie686 lol yes I would not be able to drive with the buttons flickering like that and if that were real life. As for the two lunch thing, I shall endeavor not to disappoint 😆
Great video, James. Hopefully the company dumped the restroom before the coach went out again. Nothing worse than a smelly toilet on a line run. I didn’t see any plastic garbage bags either. Who swept the bus between runs? You? The other driver? When we did shuttle work, the bus cleaner would be at the convention center during busy times.
Hey James, another great video. Do you explain the emergency exit operation before departure? I always did, because the driver (me) would catch the worst of it in an accident. Also at the end of my arrival speach I would tell them, "any items found on the bus would be posted to ebay the following day". Always got a laugh from passengers.
James great video. Cool behind the scenes look into a scheduled run. But wouldn’t you guys be more comfortable with nice polo shirts instead of a shirt and tie? Especially when it’s hot. Swinging heavy bags etc. I do t know just a thought.
Ive seen some charter bus companies do that. But I like to maintain a more professional image for coach bus operators. I feel like they are just as skilled and important as airline pilots so I like to set a uniform standard as close to that as possible.
@@JWangvlogs I can totally understand that reasoning. I’m a pilot myself based not to far from you. Like you I have seen some companies do the polo thing as well as the normal pilot uniform. You have turned me into a bus nut. Keep the cameras rolling and the videos coming.
Great video James. I have a couple of questions about fuel; 1) How much is the inflated price of diesel affecting Peoria Charter? 2) Does Peoria Charter have a fueling station at it's main depot? If not where do you fuel up? Thanks James! Keep posting!
Hey Gerry. Great questions. Yes the fuel prices have caused our prices to go up. Surprisingly enough no one has really pushed back. All of our clients understand that everything is getting more expensive and they go for it. That's for your second question, yes we do have a pump and an underground tank at our facility.
I loved the video, you really know how to make a positive and informative video. I love when you said I am out of shape I will go and get a hot dog. LOL...😂😂😂 Its good to see you working again. I pray that keeps up. Just curious do you have tickets on the luggage for passengers or do they just point to their luggage and you give it to them? I am a huge fan, keep the wheels turning and the smiles coming. 👍
hey Philip. Good question. the passengers usually just throw them on. they do report how many pieces they bring. If they bring any more than 3, we charge $10 a piece after that to prevent one person from filling up the bay.
@@JWangvlogs Thanks for the response. I use to drive part time for a company called HARRAN Coach Ways in Long Island NY. We normally transported the Airline crews to their hotels and back to the Airport. I had an opportunity to ride as a passenger on FLY Away bus in LA and they just had us point out the luggage. It seemed pretty simple and there were no issues. Have you had any issues with missing luggage?
As always a great video, I am 17 years old an I want to drive a motorcoach one day any tips? As of right now I am planning to become a locomotive engineer for Amtrak Next year once I graduate and hopefully transfer from driving trains to buses!
Thanks for the comment! Based on your UA-cam name it sounds like trains are your main passion. Follow your dreams and don't settle for less. Don't let anyone tell you your dreams are silly. Because a job that you love going to everyday is worth more than anything
Really nice videos! I'm a student and I travel by PCC very often. I love observing the buses departing during peak travel times. What's your favorite motor coach?
@@JWangvlogs I go to UIUC! I actually like the newer coaches (the Vanhools and the ones with the Illini logo on it, like 228). Your drivers and loaders are really nice and helpful!
How many students at Urbana-Champaign? How many to you transport on line hauls at the end of the semester? I’m thinking of how my local campus can reduce its reliance on student cars.
Great question! So we run 5 to 8 departures from Champaign to Chicago everyday depending on the day. Before covid we ran 10 times a day. At the end of 2019 we transported nearly 300,000 passengers.
Lol you're like the fourth person to ask this in the comments. I can see that I'm going to get a lot of people asking me this here on this video. Honest answer? I'm not sure. I either forgot to put them on, or I didn't feel like putting them on. Sometimes I do drive my truck without my seatbelt on. Tisk tisk on me for that. But I always wear them when I'm driving commercially. Sometimes if I'm driving between the terminals of the airport where I have to get on and off the bus every 2 minutes to unload luggage I will leave my seatbelt off simply because it's just easier and saves time.
So how did you get started in this industry? I would love to work at a charter company like this. I imagine you need a passenger-endorsed CDL but anything else you would need?
I applied and started driving city transit buses when I was a Junior in College. Best college job ever. Then when I went on to my masters degree I started driving Coach buses during the summer. Then when I graduated I was offered a management job at the bus company.
Planning on stopping at Jim's early this Saturday (7am) while driving a u-haul. Any tips for visiting when driving a large commercial vehicle? The streets around there look to all be no parking (tow zone).
Hey John sorry I didn't see your message earlier. You probably already finished your trip. There's a lot of parking on that side street just before Jim's original. You can sit there for a whole day and no one will bother you I've done it before
@@JWangvlogs Thanks for the recommendation and the advice, very great food! That’s exactly what we did. We made a right turn and parked on the one-way street next to the store.
@@JWangvlogs I had the polish but I was tempted to get the pork chop too. It looks like they’re opening a second store on the north side soon too. I’ll definitely go back next time I’m in Chicago.
@@JWangvlogs You're welcome. Also, if you're a fan of In & Out Burger in the western US there's a great place called Red Hot Ranch in Chicago. 2 locations on the NW side and 35th street Red Hots across the street from the White Sox stadium. Very cheap cash only place with burgers, hot dogs, fresh cut fries. I've made the 35th St location my go-to stop before White Sox games. Also, congrats on the promotion!
Lol unfortunately no. I came home and ate left over noodles from the day before lol. I thought about ending the video with me eating noodles in my kitchen.. but I felt like people wouldn't want to see that lol
When are you going to post more videos, its 2023and most things are back to normal.Get out of the office and get back on the road. lol All the best from western Canada.
Two things: You get to bring your baggage people with you to load? How sweet is that? Second, how is it you manage to pull up to those spots and there isn't a Prius parked there with an Uber in the window? Or 4 other buses from other companies?
Yeah at some point I decided to build a team of loaders for drivers. Especially for the schedule line runs the luggage can be pretty gnarly. If airline pilots can have assistance getting the baggage loaded onto the planes why can't drivers of Coach buses? So far the loading teams have been a blessing to our drivers... That's for your second question that's a good point. I got lucky I guess.
Hi James. So when arriving at O’Hare, does the driver choose the order of stops? The reason I ask is because I saw on the website it lists terminal 2 as the first drop off, but you dropped off at terminal 5 first. In fairness, I’m not familiar with ORD airport as I’m not from that area, and I also realize this may be an extra run and not the regular route. Just curious
Remember James, when you pull into McDonald's the crew be freaking out until they realize it's just the driver. Lol
Lol.
😊😊
a buffet is the quickest fastest way to feed a big group of people, and the best way to give them healthy food choices, buffets usually take about 40 minuites to feed a bus load, "fast food" can easily take an hour and a half
I sure do miss driving motorcoach so I enjoy traveling with you, I got my cdl in 1992 and no longer able to drive due to health issues, I can watch your videos all day that's how much I enjoyed driving motorcoach
I forgot to mention I drove out of Orlando Florida and surrounding areas
The company I currently work for is actually featured in this video. Shown at 15:49, I work for EAC (Express Air Coach) out of Lafayette, IN. This video reminds me of the three years I spent working for Reindeer Shuttle in West Lafayette, IN doing line runs every weekend from Purdue to O'Hare. We even had the same stop order as you (5, 1, 2, 3, SC). Thanks for the videos - Buses make me smile!
Yes I see you guys all over the place. Do you guys still have a stop in Urbana champaign? I know you guys started a line run out of Urbana Champaign for a while.
@@JWangvlogs - I think EAC tried that for a bit, but I think that ended at the end of this latest school year. They have instead expanded in northern IN to replace the now-defunct Airport Express.
@10:06 MTD Bus#2044. I loved driving her around town at night! Shiny 2020 bus.
I always wake up so I have 1 hour of “me time” after I get dressed before I leave home. During that hour I at least make a couple fried eggs and have some fruit. If I don’t take care of me I can’t take care of my passengers.
I had no idea that Peoria Charter was so detailed and efficient. I love it . Seems like a rewarding career
MR JAMES I LOVE THE GREAT CAMERA ANGLES 🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥
Great as always
I’am glad to see you back on the road and nice background music
Thanks Nate! glad you enjoyed it!
Love your videos. So positive. Thanks.
Yes Jim that was a awsome trip I sure do miss driving Motor Coaches
I’m stoked that travel is back J. The effort you put into your videos deserves a top spot in the travel channel genre.
Also how do decide when to use an older coach rather than a newer one?
@@mattcrosby2781 Hey thanks Matt. Out fleet coordinator is the guy that usually assigned vehicles. Older coaches are typically used more on shuttles, and local trips as well as bar and party groups. Also we typically use them a lot in line rubs but not in move out days when luggage is heavy
Hey, just found your videos and channel by accident. I’m a coach driver in Australia and am finding your videos very interesting. Always wanted to do bus/coach driving in the US!
I was amazed and surprised when you teased going downtown for "Original" I admit my disappointment that your practicality and common sense overruled your urges. Thanks for always making your everyday interesting, enjoyable and good feeling. Best Regards
Lol I e done it many times in the past when time wasn't an issue. Thanks for the kind words Gerry!
I have watch 3 videos I really enjoyed watching videos keep up
James, while I am on your 44th video (charlie is snickering) @5:39, would you please pick up some coffee for me, black with milk, no sugar, so that I can continue to sit here and watch the rest of your video picking up the students at the university. Thanks mahn! 😂.
What’s that beautiful music @6:33 ?
@8:18 Ouch, did the bus bumper just kiss the curb???
Just love it, @14:10
Don’t drivers gas up their assigned bus for the day when come back to the yard?? @18:14
Lol I'll buy you coffee. Thank you. Yes that bus scraped the curb a bit 😅
@@JWangvlogs, I may be deaf, but mahn, I heard it……😂
Great video! I am so proud that you thought of your company first. Also it goes to show you have learned from your mistakes you mentioned and one of your first videos how you had planned a date and you were going to show up in your biggest expensive vehicle and became unprofessional! You have absolutely move forward become a true professional! Your videos get better every time. Great job and once again a great video. Keep up the super work!
LOL Yeah it did look more like ice tea rather than Ice coffee. appreciate the comment Michael!
Kiitos videosta mukava seurata matkojasi.terveisiä Suomesta😂
Thanks for doing these! Great visual story telling!
7:50, I’m like hey! Ain’t that the guy from the last video I saw (the two day college charter) haha. Cool to see he drives but also performs other duties.
Hey lol glad you found my other channel
I'm in the process of catching up on your videos. Always fascinating stuff. Plus, it's great to see all that old familiar turf in the Chicagoland area. I grew up around there before moving to Houston in '70. It's like going home.
Loved your video. Reminded me of years back was attending University of Mo, Columbia and "rode the dog" quite often between Columbia, Mo and St. Louis. Also, u were right, that iced coffee looked like ice tea. They owe u one. Thanks for taking us along.
Fun vid! Great choice of music, and Sam was epic!
Thank you paul! Yes Sam is one of the best!
Yup, that's what a line run day usually looks like. And that squirming in the seat in traffic was very familiar. It's the I'm hungry, traffic is the pits and I just want to get home wiggles.
Really nice vlog man!!
Thanks man! Much appreciated
Another fine video,James
Thank you appreciate it!
Hello James, happy business is booming for you guys! I really enjoy your motorcoach vlogs, also glad to see everyone working as a well oiled team! Kudos to you and your family, hope all is well. Till next time "Toodles" 🚌❤️💯
When I have dropped at O'Hare I would do the domestic terminals first. I find that to be faster, especially since I have to pass Terminal 5 when I leave T3 anyway. Plus there's a turn off on the Bessie Coleman ramp that allows you to access the upper level of T5 without going to the light at the end of the ramp.
When loading at O'Harw, it makes total sense to load at Terminal 5 first, then proceed to the Bus Shuttle Center.
Did your loaders organize the luggage by terminals? That also speeds up the process. If you drop at Terminal 1 first that empties half your load. By the time you drop at Terminal 3, you won't have to dig out the international passenger luggage, which also tends to be the heaviest.
Great video.
Yes our loaders do load by destination. Makes it so much easier for the drivers. We don't go to terminal one or 3. We just drop of at terminal 2 as far as domestic terminals go. We like to drop off at international terminal 5 first so that our international travelers can get to their flight first.
It takes them Long to get through the Gates. Thanks KingArthur
Gosh, James. I never thought I would publicly disagree with you, but ANY time you are behind the wheel of a bus is fun. 😀
LOL!
Thanks Steve. I think i might agree with you on that one. I will redact my words LOL
@@JWangvlogs LOL
Great video James! I haven't done a line run for many years! I like the idea of luggage loaders, here in Australia, we call them drivers! Lol, many time have I climbed into the bus for a long drive, all hot and sweaty! I look forward to your next trip, stay safe!
Hey Kathrine. Yes we used to not have loaders and drivers did that then shelves. But on these big move out days, not only does it wear the drivers out, it also caused delays. So I started hiring loading teams. Makes life easier for everyone
Makes a lot of sense for keeping a schedule.
Excellent! Loved it!
Great video, I’m a new student to U of I and I look forward to relying on Peoria Charter to get me from and to Ohare!
What a day!
I know right
Great video! Too mad there's no helpers to unload the luggage for you! Also, I like how you mention you are out of shape and they go on to say you need a hot dog, LOL. Lastly, amazed at how you can drink an iced coffee without going to the washroom for 3 hours. Coffee always make me need to go, lol.
Paying my dues as a school bus driver now but some day.......
James can you do more of this runs i like it I'm also a line run bus driver in south Africa 👌
Hey James! I’ve just started to watch your channel over this past week. Although I do not have a deep interest in buses, this content is very appealing!
Hey thank you so much I appreciate your kind words!
I am in St Ignace, MI and I saw one of your busses. I even got a pic of it.
Awesome. Our buses go through Michigan pretty often
Great job buddy
Thank you sir
When you were walking through the garage I was really hoping you were heading for that D. I love the J, but those old D's are workhorses. Great video.
If it weren't for all the luggage I probably would have taken the d. Unfortunately those d models have such small luggage bays we would have really had a struggle
@@JWangvlogs should've taken a Prevost H3-45 instead #Ope #Whoops
Me watching this In my break on MC Donald's LOL
Thanks for making the video!
Hey Jin Kim. Always my pleasure man thanks for leaving a comment. Hope your summer is going well
James. I enjoyed the ride to O'Hare with you but I noticed you didn't wear your seatbelt while driving to work and I use a device to grab the luggage so I don't have to climb into the bays. It saves my back and my knees. I'd be happy to tell you how to make one.
we have a bunch of those devices. And some of our drivers do use them. I just feel like its faster this way. Maybe one day i will give in and decide to use one.
Actually I was wearing my seat belt. If you look closely its way off to my left shoulder. one the way back it stopped retracting properly. So it had a lot of slack. Never the less I still wore it. Our techs repaired it when I got in the garage.
Love it!!!
Hope I can meet u out there sometime be safe out there
Hi James.
I sometimes take a line run from San Francisco Airport to Marin County, California (Marin Airporter is the company). They also load by destination, depending on the drop off terminal, or destination point in Marin.
At San Francisco International Airport, they drop off and pick up at different locations (they cannot drop off and pickup Terminal 1 passengers at the same location). The order of stops I believe are: Drop off Terminal 1, Drop Off Terminal 2, Drop off Terminal 3, Drop off and pickup International Terminal, Pickup Terminal 1, Pickup Terminal 2, and Pickup Terminal 3 (someone correct me if I'm wrong if you're familiar with the Marin Airporter).
“I’m out of shape” 🥵
“I need a hot dog” 😋🌭
lol Hots always help
Great video glad to see business returning not only for the company but especially for the drivers. I watched the section with the young lady baggage handler twice she was a hustler with the baggage. I could have used her back in my day. I always read other people's comments and one commenter asked if you explained emergency procedures the last time I rode on a J4500 the driver played a video by MCI explaining the emergency procedure. Does PCC use these videos? Under normal line haul schedules making all stops doesn't it take about 4 hours to O'Hara and 4 hours back? Great video thanks.
Hey Robert! Yes she was awesome. It's hard to find good people that are enthusiastic about their jobs. Fortunately we have a bunch of them on our team and that makes the company everything that it is.
Yes we have the safety DVDs to that explains all about the emergency exits.
@@JWangvlogs thankfully in addition to the safety videos we have QR codes on the windows that we can scan
Loved that royalty free music at 10:00. Do you like that genre of music?
Hey thanks. I like many different genres but yes this is one of them.
We love you. Put your seatbelt on.
Depends on my mood but thanks for the advice.
@@JWangvlogs sorry.
@@paulreed563 lol 🤣 no need to be sorry. You sound like my parents. I do make it a point to always wear a seat belt when I'm behind the wheel of a coach. But sometimes in my POV I get lazy. But you're right I should put my seatbelt on always. Apologies if I came across snarky I didn't mean to be.
Great video, I do a similar thing for the company I work for in the uk albeit ours is ran on behalf of megabus from Manchester to London via Heathrow, and the return leg is London to Manchester via Heathrow & Birmingham although I have a feeder driver who takes the coach off me between Birmingham & Manchester otherwise I’d go over my hours. I like the idea of loaders though as packing many bags onto the coach can be pretty tiring before a stint driving, especially with the weight of some of them, makes you wonder what on earth people must pack to travel
James: I’m really out of shape!
Also James: I need a hotdog!
All jokes aside really want to try driving a motor coach or even and rear engine bus in general coming from a traditional school bus
Once again, there was an Arby’s RIGHT THERE 🤪
Lol! Yeah that was the same McDonald's I went to last time when you commented about the Arby's. If you notice the parking lot it's empty in the building is dark. We do have another Arby's in town I think they are open. Does Arby's have iced coffee.
@@JWangvlogs seems unlikely. They do have the lovely Jamocha shake, though. I’m just a jealous Arby’s Stan.
294 is a big mess. Last I went through there was a year ago. They have been taking such a long time on there. In
Retry much avoid 294 as much as possible towards O’Hare and from O’Hare. I think they started that construction a year before COVID started
Its Chicago, Its always a big mess everywhere LOL
@@JWangvlogs true. At times you can get really lucky but rare.
Wait a second. A professional driver who NOSES his personal vehicle into the garage? JK, keep up the vids!
In Illinois we have two seasons. Winter and road destruction.- Scorpio
Yes that is absolutely correct
Hey! How are your routes planned? GPS specific for your vehicles to what ways you can go for charters and other runs? How does that work? If you have a video on this, let me know link :) Thank you!
Hey Brandon. Thanks for the comment. Yes I actually have done a video on this topic. Here is the link. ua-cam.com/video/Cma6vV4ZWPQ/v-deo.html
I understand being in a tight bind, driving is a blast but like everything else, it has its moments. An awesome video I'm looking forward to the next video. Take care.
Good to see you back up and running James.. It's a far cry from. 2020 when you guys had to shut down for the big C. I'm happy to see your busy again.. Maybe now, we'll go get our passenger endorsement and come drive for you. We been on the road and haven't had time to catch up with the videos until now. Hope to see more and thanks for sharing.. Herbie & Mary..
What was all that discotheque blinking of all the dash lights at approx 4:09 about?
Oh that's just the GO pro frame refresh rate not matching up with the frequency of the lit dash lights. It doesn't look like that off camera.
@@JWangvlogs
Ah. Good. That would distract the heck out of me while driving. So we get two lunches on your next voyage? 😉
@@ianmackenzie686 lol yes I would not be able to drive with the buttons flickering like that and if that were real life.
As for the two lunch thing, I shall endeavor not to disappoint 😆
Great video, James. Hopefully the company dumped the restroom before the coach went out again. Nothing worse than a smelly toilet on a line run. I didn’t see any plastic garbage bags either. Who swept the bus between runs? You? The other driver? When we did shuttle work, the bus cleaner would be at the convention center during busy times.
2 years later and that construction is still there heading away from Ohare...
@OG_ArthurSlugworth it's Illinois lol 🤣
Hey James, another great video.
Do you explain the emergency exit operation before departure? I always did, because the driver (me) would catch the worst of it in an accident.
Also at the end of my arrival speach I would tell them, "any items found on the bus would be posted to ebay the following day". Always got a laugh from passengers.
Hey Damon. Yes we usually have a safety video to play for our passengers.
“Feed Kelly”….. he looks so sickly🤔🤔🤔😉😉😂🤭🤭🤭😋
James great video. Cool behind the scenes look into a scheduled run. But wouldn’t you guys be more comfortable with nice polo shirts instead of a shirt and tie? Especially when it’s hot. Swinging heavy bags etc. I do t know just a thought.
Ive seen some charter bus companies do that. But I like to maintain a more professional image for coach bus operators. I feel like they are just as skilled and important as airline pilots so I like to set a uniform standard as close to that as possible.
@@JWangvlogs I can totally understand that reasoning. I’m a pilot myself based not to far from you. Like you I have seen some companies do the polo thing as well as the normal pilot uniform. You have turned me into a bus nut. Keep the cameras rolling and the videos coming.
Hey J it’s Karim MTA New York City Transit. By Chance what garage do I send your patches to?
Hey Thank you for the offer. My office address is 1910 N Federal Drive, Ste 111. Urbana IL 61801
8:15 Curb strike! lmao
Great video James. I have a couple of questions about fuel;
1) How much is the inflated price of diesel affecting Peoria Charter?
2) Does Peoria Charter have a fueling station at it's main depot? If not where do you fuel up?
Thanks James! Keep posting!
Hey Gerry. Great questions. Yes the fuel prices have caused our prices to go up. Surprisingly enough no one has really pushed back. All of our clients understand that everything is getting more expensive and they go for it.
That's for your second question, yes we do have a pump and an underground tank at our facility.
@@JWangvlogs Thanks for the answers James. You are awesome!
Love this video and the other ones, but I want to know how could I start my own business as a charter bus service driver
Check out my other channel I have a few videos that could help you with that.
@@JWangvlogs thank you
I loved the video, you really know how to make a positive and informative video. I love when you said I am out of shape I will go and get a hot dog. LOL...😂😂😂 Its good to see you working again. I pray that keeps up. Just curious do you have tickets on the luggage for passengers or do they just point to their luggage and you give it to them? I am a huge fan, keep the wheels turning and the smiles coming. 👍
hey Philip. Good question. the passengers usually just throw them on. they do report how many pieces they bring. If they bring any more than 3, we charge $10 a piece after that to prevent one person from filling up the bay.
@@JWangvlogs Thanks for the response. I use to drive part time for a company called HARRAN Coach Ways in Long Island NY. We normally transported the Airline crews to their hotels and back to the Airport. I had an opportunity to ride as a passenger on FLY Away bus in LA and they just had us point out the luggage. It seemed pretty simple and there were no issues. Have you had any issues with missing luggage?
As always a great video, I am 17 years old an I want to drive a motorcoach one day any tips? As of right now I am planning to become a locomotive engineer for Amtrak Next year once I graduate and hopefully transfer from driving trains to buses!
Thanks for the comment! Based on your UA-cam name it sounds like trains are your main passion. Follow your dreams and don't settle for less. Don't let anyone tell you your dreams are silly. Because a job that you love going to everyday is worth more than anything
Really nice videos! I'm a student and I travel by PCC very often. I love observing the buses departing during peak travel times. What's your favorite motor coach?
Nice. Which university are you studying at? My favorite motorcoach would be the MCI D4505.
@@JWangvlogs I go to UIUC! I actually like the newer coaches (the Vanhools and the ones with the Illini logo on it, like 228). Your drivers and loaders are really nice and helpful!
@@RSanjay-tk2sj nice 👍. You should join our loading team. If you are interested email me. jwang@peoriacharter.com
How many students at Urbana-Champaign? How many to you transport on line hauls at the end of the semester? I’m thinking of how my local campus can reduce its reliance on student cars.
Great question! So we run 5 to 8 departures from Champaign to Chicago everyday depending on the day. Before covid we ran 10 times a day. At the end of 2019 we transported nearly 300,000 passengers.
Kelly!!
Why you did not wear your seat belt while driving Tacoma heading to work?
really cool clip, especially ORD trip!
Lol you're like the fourth person to ask this in the comments. I can see that I'm going to get a lot of people asking me this here on this video. Honest answer? I'm not sure. I either forgot to put them on, or I didn't feel like putting them on. Sometimes I do drive my truck without my seatbelt on. Tisk tisk on me for that. But I always wear them when I'm driving commercially. Sometimes if I'm driving between the terminals of the airport where I have to get on and off the bus every 2 minutes to unload luggage I will leave my seatbelt off simply because it's just easier and saves time.
@@JWangvlogs No problem, we LOVE watching airport runs with full load!
So how did you get started in this industry? I would love to work at a charter company like this. I imagine you need a passenger-endorsed CDL but anything else you would need?
I applied and started driving city transit buses when I was a Junior in College. Best college job ever. Then when I went on to my masters degree I started driving Coach buses during the summer. Then when I graduated I was offered a management job at the bus company.
We get out on the 10th
Planning on stopping at Jim's early this Saturday (7am) while driving a u-haul. Any tips for visiting when driving a large commercial vehicle? The streets around there look to all be no parking (tow zone).
Hey John sorry I didn't see your message earlier. You probably already finished your trip. There's a lot of parking on that side street just before Jim's original. You can sit there for a whole day and no one will bother you I've done it before
@@JWangvlogs Thanks for the recommendation and the advice, very great food! That’s exactly what we did. We made a right turn and parked on the one-way street next to the store.
@@JohnWagnerVideos that's awesome! I'm glad it all worked out. I'm curious though, what did you order?
@@JWangvlogs I had the polish but I was tempted to get the pork chop too. It looks like they’re opening a second store on the north side soon too. I’ll definitely go back next time I’m in Chicago.
I would love to see a camera shooting the right side mirrors for some of those right turns. Thanks so much for producing these videos!
If you are ever after a hot dog again closer to the airport I’ve heard good things about Gene & Jude’s.
I will definitely remember w check that out. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@JWangvlogs You're welcome. Also, if you're a fan of In & Out Burger in the western US there's a great place called Red Hot Ranch in Chicago. 2 locations on the NW side and 35th street Red Hots across the street from the White Sox stadium. Very cheap cash only place with burgers, hot dogs, fresh cut fries. I've made the 35th St location my go-to stop before White Sox games.
Also, congrats on the promotion!
I enjoy all your content, James. The food segment is just bonus footage.
Did you ever get the hot dog?
Lol unfortunately no. I came home and ate left over noodles from the day before lol. I thought about ending the video with me eating noodles in my kitchen.. but I felt like people wouldn't want to see that lol
Another good episode! How many cameras are you using these days? It is so professional looks like a full on camera crew James!
Hey Cindy. I actually only use two. One mounted to capture the road footage and one I carry around. Appreciate the comment Cindy
Was that the Dan Ryan Express way?
That was I 294 to I 190 to O'Hare
Line runs are much more interesting to watch than charter runs (aka school trips)
Good evening. Be safe 🙏. And Happy Father day enjoy 😉.
Do you not sell tickets for going back down to champaign? Didnt see any passengers
We do. But everyone was heading out of Town that day. There were no tickets sales for coming back.
Hello J why do you have to drive hazards on????
When are you going to post more videos, its 2023and most things are back to normal.Get out of the office and get back on the road. lol All the best from western Canada.
Soon. My drivers have to come first before I take a trip away from one of them to make a UA-cam video. But I promise soon
Rona said it was good enough pay get her $100 nails done. May I ask what avg rate drivers make?
"I'm out of shape.. I need a hotdog!"
Two things: You get to bring your baggage people with you to load? How sweet is that? Second, how is it you manage to pull up to those spots and there isn't a Prius parked there with an Uber in the window? Or 4 other buses from other companies?
Yeah at some point I decided to build a team of loaders for drivers. Especially for the schedule line runs the luggage can be pretty gnarly. If airline pilots can have assistance getting the baggage loaded onto the planes why can't drivers of Coach buses? So far the loading teams have been a blessing to our drivers...
That's for your second question that's a good point. I got lucky I guess.
Hi James.
So when arriving at O’Hare, does the driver choose the order of stops? The reason I ask is because I saw on the website it lists terminal 2 as the first drop off, but you dropped off at terminal 5 first.
In fairness, I’m not familiar with ORD airport as I’m not from that area, and I also realize this may be an extra run and not the regular route. Just curious
Buckle up!
I love Sam
She is really cool!
I want the name of the song and artist he's playing in the background
2007 MCI J4500 CATERPILLAR C13 ALLISON WORLD B500R6
Ehmmm... James, Where's your seatbelt?
Are you a pilot to?
I used to be.
@@JWangvlogs use to be your certificate doesn’t expire your medical does
@@aaronscomputers I don't fly any more. I used to. I miss it though.
What’s the names of this tune?
What do you expect from McDonalds “coffee”?
LOL. They usually have great Iced coffee. but Not this time.