I drove mci, prevost and the old gmc fishbowls for 25 years. My favorite coach was the mci. Great buses and a pleasure to drive. I'm retired now and never drove the j4500. I miss the charter business.
I've been watching your other channel a lot lately and I had no idea that you were a co-owner of Peoria! Congrats on that, even if it is somewhat old news!
I'am not much on MCI's but i envy you driving a new coach . Back in the 90's a new h-3 40 was about $ 125,000 i think ,i know that one was not !!! I was in the Air Force in the late 70's stationed at Chanute for training. My sister lived in Peoria, i have been there many times she lived on the hill after the bridge or it was go down the hill to the bridge. Thank you for showing these videos it brings back a good time of my life driving my Prevost all over the north east and Canada. Making memories !!!
Nice! University of Maryland received two J4500's a couple months ago - units 69953 and 69954. Didn't have the pleasure of picking them up, but I was one of the first to drive 'em, as you can see in my channel. Gorgeous buses and nice videos you got there!
You reminded me of the great pleasure of doing the pre-delivery final inspection and taking delivery of brand new ambulances. Most memorable was 1984 new Braun BLS unit from western Ohio, driving to San Diego with my wife and 2 daughters. Could write a book about that. Thank you, James, for the huge effort to write, direct, produce, edit and release new content.
I found your channel last night, and I am loving it! It's so nice to see there are other folks as passionate about buses as me. I used to work near the MCI office and drove past it a bunch. It was neat to see all of the coaches lined up.
Impressive vehicles... about a million miles each and still looked damn good. Some second tier fleet(s) will be happy to pick up those well maintained work horses. Good show.
This video brings back a few memories of my trucking days. I've been all over those roads in Ilinois. I really like your camera set-up as well. I think I need to step it up a notch with my equipment. Great video.
@@JWangvlogs I usually do a mixture of travel videos and dash-cam videos and an occasional "get together" with other FILIPINO-AMERICAN friend couples. I am not a world traveler but I HAVE been to the Philippines three times. As far as vlogging is concerned, well, I am still working on gaining more confidence in speaking into the camera more often. I usually just add music to most of them. I DO have some motor-coach videos in there some where. I thank you for subscribing as well.
The fact you're a co - owner and doing this sort of stuff blows me away, I love seeing things like this, you're not just a driver but still gladly and enjoyably go do these things - most companies would send other drivers but you muck in with the rest of them! Awesome! Most people would think oh it's a bus and see it driven as it would be, I can imagine at least you if not your mate as well in a new bus - OMG it's a corner / building / anything - need to protect it until it's back at base ha ha ha. Good to see you and Jake eating, having a laugh and showing the fun you have! Btw - Is Jake the other co -owner? would explain a lot more lol. Awesome vid - loved it!
I got the privilege of bringing a brand new road tractor from the factory. I paid for it with a company credit card. As a joke they said the card was declined & being so excited to begin with I almost lost my lunch. Great bunch of folks at KW. That day will live with me forever.
Nostalgia for the days when the unit number taped to the windshield matched the last 5 digits of the VIN… now they don’t because MCI adopted a new VIN system combined with that of New Flyer. All you had to do on J’s was figure out the engines- Cummins ISX-12 or X12, or Daimler DD13. Run em in Carfax and you would eventually get the full VIN figured out. Now it’s like a guessing game to even find them.
It would be cool if you could do a follow up video where you visit your old traded in coach at their new homes (Legacy Tours?). And talk about the different ownership models amongt various coach operators: buy new/trade in newish, buy new/keep forever, buy used/keep forever and of course operators who perhaps blend different approaches in the same fleet. Something I'm curious about!
Hi Brian Jensen. Thanks for the comment! really appreciate it. So is your dream to become a motor coach operator or own a motorcoach company? either one right now is kind of a nightmare because of covid 19. But prior to this whole pandemic, it was a fun job. I loved every bit of it. Just hope things will get back to normal before we have to close down.
@@JWangvlogs To own or to manage a motor coach company, sorry! So with covid and everything going on, its really tough out there for everyone in transportation in general unless you drive a for a big trucking company. I can't even imagine what y'all are going through. Up here in Calgary, Alberta, I drive by all the bus yards and are they are mostly full, some routes have opened up but not much. So as brief as I can condense my history and why I love the motor coach industry. Growing up, the old man was a greyhound bus driver in Ontario, Canada and as a result, I got to go everywhere we could or was allowed to take me and sometimes the rest of the family. So I was exposed as a young-in and even worked at the Ottawa greyhound facility in my late teens, washing buses and even doing oil changes. Forward 3 years and I became a coach operator in Alberta after I had moved out here on a whim. I then worked 3-4 driving commentary tour bus in the Canadian rockies after of which I became a shuttle motor coach operator in the oil sands. After our oil economy collapsed, I decided to try truck driving where I have been ever since for a number of varying factors but lately I have been craving getting back into the coach industry.
It's easy only after proper training. Truck driving experience helped me transition easily. It's still just as serious or more so than trucking because you are not only responsible for the lives of the motoring public but for those that are riding in your coach. The most rewarding part of it to me are those two words that most people say as they exit off after the trip, and that is "THANK YOU".
@@brianjensen2806 In my opinion, it is a labor of love. You need a magnifying glass to see the profit margins. The other issue is how inconsistent the revenue is. You struggle to meet your overhead obligations during the slow winter months.
Awesome video the company I work for I'm the driver that picks up and brings home the "NEWER" coaches, never as a co owner and never a brand new coach, I've only brought home pre-owned Vanhools 🤭😂, good for you and the best of luck to you
I had your dream, I ended up making poor life decisions 20 years ago and had to settle for trucking. One day I'll get in to driving a bus. Who knows, I might apply for Peoria Charters if you guys road test for the passenger endorsement.
We all make poor life decisions the important thing is never giving up and follow your dream. We do train for passenger endorsement. You never know Michael give us a try. Thanks for commenting appreciate you taking the time to write
Hope you don't mind an old man telling you old bus stories. Back in the early '80's when I started driving for the Terre Haute Mass Transit, we had 3 different brands and years of busses. We had several 1960 era GMC's, the old ones with the big rounded corners and inward slanting windshields, 1970 era Twin Coaches and 4 brand new Blue Birds. The Jimmy's were atrocious. Sloppy steering. I mean a good 4 inches of play. Just ridiculous. No air, piss poor heat in the Winter. The windows were so slanted that when driving, you had to lean down over your steering wheel so you could see out of the windshield. These things were so old, they actually had a column shifter on them, no "park" just forward, neutral and reverse. The Twin Coaches on the other hand, sat high with a nice, big, flat windscreen. Just like the Jimmy's however, no power steering. Unlike the Jimmy's that had a very hard and rough ride, (kind of like driving a hardtail Harley), the Twin Coaches just bounced along all the time. Go through an intersection and it felt like you was on a kiddy's bouncy ride. The brakes on the Twin Coaches were so sloppy and spongey. You could be doing 35mph, slam the breaks on and it would take a good 50 feet to stop. Seriously. Now, onward to the 4 new Blue Birds. Heat, air conditioning, POWER STEERING!! They were a dream to drive. Of course they were reserved for the top for drivers with the most seniority. These guys thought they personally owned them. I was on the Extra Board, so got to drive them on the regular driver's day off. One morning before going out on our runs, we had a meeting with the General Manager. He said there were complaints coming in that we were speeding on residential streets and that if we were caught speeding, we would get tickets. I through my ass out of shape and told him right there in front of everyone that none of the Jimmy's or Twin Coaches had working speed-o-meters (which they didn't). So the mayor started having Terre Haute city cops follow us with a radar gun. The Jimmys and Twin Coaches were notorious for being loud and leaving behind a blanket of thick black smoke. So after work that day, I go right to the Terre Haute Tribune Star and told a reporter what was going on. The next morning there at our layover spot at 7th and Wabash was this woman reporter and camera man. They ride my bus, took pictures of the non-working Speed-o-meters, rode of few more busses and took more pictures of the non-working speed-o-meters, interviewed me. Then the next morning, right on the front page is me and a picture of my non-working speed-o-meter. Long story short, the next morning, I get called into the mayor's office (Pete Chalos). He tells me that if I want working speed-o-meters-, he can lay off 10 or 12 of my brothers (his exact words), and get the speed-o-meters working. I was young at the time and wasn't thinking, but I should have told my General Manager that I wanted a Union Rep present during the meeting. We belonged to the Amalgamated Transit Union headquartered out of Chicago. So then the VERY next day on the frnt page was another story. An interview with the mayor (Pete Chalos) after having city police officers follow us with radar guns NO ONE WAS SPEEDING!!!! What's funny about this story is the fact that NONE of the other drivers would do an interview!! NOT A DAMN ONE OF THEM!!!! When that woman reporter road my bus which was a Twin Coach, I showed her how dangerous the breaks were, I told her hw sloppy the steering was in the old Jimmys. The NEXT year ALL of the Jimmys and Twin Coaches were retired. They bought a new fleet of a very nice streemlined busses. (I can't remember the name of them. They were smaller but still held around 40 passengers. Power steering, air conditioning and everything. So how did the city miraculously end up with funds to replace all the delapidated and outdated equipment? Come to find out, the city had been getting Federal Funding to update the old busses and never spent it. They kept it in escrow drawing interest from it. Pete Chalos was so ostracized by it that he not only eft the state, but he moved to Alaska and became a city admisistrator to a town of less than 2,000.
I am enjoying your channel. I drive for a local charter company on Vancouver Island in Canada in the summer, but in the winter I drive for the local ski hill. We use Bluebird Vision buses running B6.7 Cummins engines, and Eaton 7-speed Procision transmissions with air brakes, VGT engine braking AND Telma non-friction braking on the driveshaft. This enables us to come down the mountain with barely using the air brakes. They are mainly a back up. From the alpine lodge to the mountain base we are dropping 3,457 feet in 23 miles. There are a lot of 8% and 12% grades and it can be a challenge in the snow.
I am proud to see Chinese Americans build a successful career outside the stereotypical fields. Also, very well done videos. I found your other channel and enjoy watching them.
Hey Road Hog. Thanks for the comment. The old buses had Detroit series 60's in them and the new ones came with Cummins ISM's. Detroit pulled out of the Motorcoach market so from now on, most new buses will come with Cummins.
Hello, I'm a new subscriber to your channel and a bus fan as well. I noticed your two new buses had no graphics or livery scheme. It looks like your older busses are red while the newer ones are white. Do you paint or wrap your busses? Adam
James. Great channel. I am an electrician and a part time CLS B CDL driver. I presently drive my daughters AM school bus route and I pickup as many evening charters as possible. In the past I've driven straight trucks over the road, a tow truck, a flat bed to cell phone tower electrical installations in Chicagoland, among other courier vehicles. I just love to drive. I found your channel about two weeks ago while investigating becoming a motor coach driver. I have since applied and have two offers for jobs in my area. The benefits are my only "hang up" as I have a family of four and I would have to give up the insurance that we currently hold. Anyway, I digress. You have inspired me to vlog my progress on youtube. I'm dusting off the old GoPro and should start shooting some footage this week. With that in mind could I ask what video editing software you use? I may have some other you tube / motor coach questions in the future. Oh, and I have to bring up the elephant in the room!! If one were to want to buy a new motorcoach, how much would it cost? (in rough numbers, lol)
Hi WisconsinDriven. Thank you for your comment. It's always awesome to meet people with a passion for being on the road. Yeah its hard to find a position with a Motor Coach company with benefits right off the bat. I totally understand your position though. I had to give up a lot when I changed my profession to be apart of the motor coach industry. Dedication and reliability pays off though. Gotta give it time and it sounds like it wont take you too long to make a good place for your self in a coach company. It means so much to me to hear you say that my videos have inspired you. I can't wait to see some of your up coming vlogs! I have already subscribed to your channel. I use Shotcut. It is completely free to use and it offers quite a lot of features for pros as well as new editors. there is a bit of a learning curve but youtube offers a lot of video content on how to use it. The famous movie Pulp Fiction used Shotcut editing software. A brand new motor coach costs about $500,000 so a down payment will not be cheap. Leave your self some room for a place to store it, insurance will not be cheap as well as the IFTA sticker and Annual and semi annual inspection stickers to be in DOT compliance. Buying a used one will cost less. A good one will be around 230 to 300 K and any less than that you probably don't want to mess with. There is always the route of leasing one and you are looking at between a $6000 to $8000 per month lease. Make sure you have someone who can work on it though because even the brand new ones will give you problems. It is not a easy industry to break into but it sure is fun driving them. I wish you all the luck in the world sir and please feel free to write to me. Feel free to call Peoria charter and ask for me. I would be more than happy to chat with you if you have any questions.
I think one was a 2002 and the other was a 2003. They ran fine. We like to keep our fleet updated and not hold on to them when they get to a million miles.
Yes I have Driven a Prevost. We used to have many of them. As they aged we started to phase them out. We reacently bought a brand new one 2020. Its a treat to drive. I would say Prevost's are more luxurious. They have more bells and whistles. Thats nice but it leaves more to go wrong as the coach ages. I love driving them. MCI's are more rugged and simply designed. Prevost's are a bit top heavy compared to MCI's. On windy days, I would rather be in a MCI than a Prevost. Prevost's are 12 feet 4 inches tall compared to a J4500 which are 11 feet 10 inches. So they catch a bit more wind. I did a vlog where I drove a Prevost. ua-cam.com/video/sM4R4YNIjcE/v-deo.html check it out
I had assumed that new motorcoaches were delivered with the livery and logo of the customer, just like planes, but I guess not. How long did it take after picking them up to use them on the first trip with passengers?
Yeah the place we ate at was actually a parking lot that's near one of our line run stops. Our drivers like to come here to eat lunch because they have a layover near this place. Actually went over and said hi to the driver but I did not get it on film
Nicely done! Love the new MCI’s - there’s another old school coach that we got over here in Australia: the MC-7 and MC-9! Purchased by Ansett Pioneer, these coaches were really sophisticated for their time
You know I've never really thought about it that way. It's the same type of feeling as in a car, you kinda just get to know the vehicle. When turning the mirrors are what keeps you from running over things
Just found this wonderful channel. Can I ask in what situation you are getting rid of old ones for new ones? Is it because marketing or mechanical reason? I am thinking to buy a used one.
Hey Fred! Thanks for the comment. Usually when a coach reaches around 1 million miles we like to trade the in. we try to maintain a more modern fleet and with 60 coaches, we end up saving money when we get ride of older coaches because there is less maintenance to worry about.
@@JWangvlogs thanks for replying. I kind of worried for my comment. I thought it was not a good time for such kind of questions. Really hope your company roars back and stronger. Biscally you are saying any well maintained bus less than 1 million miles should be okay for a mild bus conversion usage.
@@wangfred no worries. Absolutely great question. I'm sorry it took me a bit to respond. I try to respond within a day. Maybe I'm being too ambitious. Yes should be fine for conversation so long as you are not planning to drive 300 miles every day which is what a commercial coach averages.
@@stevepackard8542 yes they do. Better than cars. But they also still depreciate. A good coach should last 700,000 to 800,000 miles before a engine and transmission change.
Hey Thomas. For most Motor Coach companies, you would need a Class B CDL with Air Break, passenger endorsement and a Coach or school bus endorsement. But some companies that operate smaller vehicles may not require the air breaks.
Kia Ora (Greetings) Mr Wang. I really enjoy your videos. Have you driven any European Motor Coaches e.g. Volvo, Scania or Man coaches? If so how do they compare with MCI coaches?
Hey John thanks for commenting appreciate you taking the time to write. I've driven Setras and Volvos. European coaches are definitely more fancier. They are also designed to be prettier and they drive like sports cars. Us coaches are not designed as pretty but the reason we keep them is because it's cheaper to maintain them parts are easily available. We ended up getting rid of the Setras because they were so expensive to keep maintained and buy parts for. Great question thank you
@@JWangvlogs Thank you for your informative reply James. The reason why I asked is that MCI coaches are extremely rare down here in New Zealand, although I believe they are quite common across the ditch in Australia. European coaches dominate the motor coach and bus transport industry here in New Zealand.
Hi John Fernandez! Thank you for the comment. I love the MCI too! Amazon has some nice detailed Diecast models. www.amazon.com/Amtrak-California-MCI-J4500-Diecast/dp/B07GBYXSZC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S8MWYYGH1PFR&dchild=1&keywords=mci+j4500+bus&qid=1603733439&sprefix=MCI+J%2Ctoys-and-games%2C150&sr=8-1
Hey Freshboii. Thank you so much! Means a lot to hear people say that about my videos. I'm probably going to one up within the next few weeks. I don't get sent out much on coach trips and I don't think my videos without coaches get as much attention lol. I will try to be more frequent with my videos. I have a lot of fun doing them.
Great, and also I like the “In a day of a MotorCoach Operator” a lot because I wanted to own my own motor coach transportion company and I want to learn the in- and outs by watching the your videos 💯
I was working 20 plus years for greyhound as a motor coach operator what company are you working for so I can find a company to work specially in this pandemic times
The price on motor coaches didn't really change since the inflation. Partially due to the fact that people had a hard time selling them during covid. They might start going up now because there's a huge demand for them again. Some of our fleet have more luxurious packages than some of our fleet have standard packages. But you can expect the price to be between half a million to $700,000 window depending on what you want added and how you want your coach configured. Some coaches can go past a million dollars due to the additions and luxury packages.
@@douglastaylor4727 It's Latin meaning "for each day". It means you get a fixed amount of money for each day or meal away. For example, you get $13 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, and $26 for dinner. If you spend less than that (or none at all because you brought your own food), you keep the extra. If you spend more, like you ordered steak and lobster, then you have to pay the extra yourself. The opposite is a reimbursement system where you save the receipts and you get paid back for the exact amount.
Hi Saul. Thanks for your comment. Legally, you need a class B CDL with airbreak and passenger endorsement. On top of that you will also need a Charter or school bus endorsement. The company I work for will hire people without any of these items and we will provide training. But other companies may have different requirements.
@@JWangvlogs sweet I'm a truck driver now I drive for a company out of Rockford Illinois I've been watching your videos and I enjoy them a lot seems like it's a lot of fun with passengers and tours
@@saulfernandez999 we have several drivers that came from the trucking industry. You definitely get to go to a lot more interesting places. Also your cargo talks back and they definitely will judge you if you curb the bus.
Thank you for the comment. I'm afraid I do not speak Spanish. Even with google translate I can't really make out what you are trying to convey. I appreciate you watching my videos and commenting. Take care!
@@JWangvlogs muchas felicidades por que renovó su equipo de trabajo a mi en lo personal me alegra ke alas personas ke trabajan les valla bien en la vida gracias a dios
Esta persona trabaja como chofer y la compania para la que trabaja compro los 2 autobuses , usualmente en estados unidos solo usan Los autobuses ciertos años y luego Los cambian por cuestiones se seguridad y aseguros.
Painted and assembled in our facility in Winnipeg Manitoba. Proud to have painted many of the J4500s
Thanks for the memories! Thirty years ago Bob Dethloff was my salesman from MCI and sold me six buses over the years. He is a class act.
I drove mci, prevost and the old gmc fishbowls for 25 years. My favorite coach was the mci. Great buses and a pleasure to drive. I'm retired now and never drove the j4500. I miss the charter business.
Congratulations James on the new position you deserve it.
You know you're doing something right when they make you co-owner! Congrats!! Enjoy your videos, keep it going!!
LOL thanks man! Ive told my self that as well.
The owners saw how you love your job and how you love motor coaches and buses. A perfect fit.
I've been watching your other channel a lot lately and I had no idea that you were a co-owner of Peoria! Congrats on that, even if it is somewhat old news!
I'am not much on MCI's but i envy you driving a new coach . Back in the 90's a new h-3 40 was about $ 125,000 i think ,i know that one was not !!! I was in the Air Force in the late 70's stationed at Chanute for training. My sister lived in Peoria, i have been there many times she lived on the hill after the bridge or it was go down the hill to the bridge. Thank you for showing these videos it brings back a good time of my life driving my Prevost all over the north east and Canada. Making memories !!!
Nice! University of Maryland received two J4500's a couple months ago - units 69953 and 69954. Didn't have the pleasure of picking them up, but I was one of the first to drive 'em, as you can see in my channel. Gorgeous buses and nice videos you got there!
I had the honour of picking up a new coach from MCI in Winnipeg for our company in North Bay,Ontario. A full two day trip, but what a great trip!
Those are the best trips to driver can be asked to do
You reminded me of the great pleasure of doing the pre-delivery final inspection and taking delivery of brand new ambulances. Most memorable was 1984 new Braun BLS unit from western Ohio, driving to San Diego with my wife and 2 daughters. Could write a book about that. Thank you, James, for the huge effort to write, direct, produce, edit and release new content.
You are too kind Donald. Thank you. I would totally buy a copy of your book.
@@JWangvlogs 😁🚑
Great purchase. New year new bus!
Ah yes... the redesigned J4500... other than the new Prevosts, they are one the sexiest and sleekest coaches on the road. I loved operating them.
I found your channel last night, and I am loving it! It's so nice to see there are other folks as passionate about buses as me. I used to work near the MCI office and drove past it a bunch. It was neat to see all of the coaches lined up.
Thanks Jake! Have you thought of driving one?
@@JWangvlogs I think it would be really neat to learn how to drive a coach, I just don't really know where to start 😅
@@2010jakem Find a Motor coach company that provides training and apply. We hire people with no prior experience and provide paid training.
Impressive vehicles... about a million miles each and still looked damn good. Some second tier fleet(s) will be happy to pick up those well maintained work horses. Good show.
Thank you
This video brings back a few memories of my trucking days. I've been all over those roads in Ilinois.
I really like your camera set-up as well. I think I need to step it up a notch with my equipment.
Great video.
Thanks Davao Jack. I'm glad to meet another motorcoach Vlogger. We need more people showing the world about our industry. Carry on my friend.
@@JWangvlogs I usually do a mixture of travel videos and dash-cam videos and an occasional "get together" with other FILIPINO-AMERICAN friend couples. I am not a world traveler but I HAVE been to the Philippines three times. As far as vlogging is concerned, well, I am still working on gaining more confidence in speaking into the camera more often. I usually just add music to most of them. I DO have some motor-coach videos in there some where. I thank you for subscribing as well.
The fact you're a co - owner and doing this sort of stuff blows me away, I love seeing things like this, you're not just a driver but still gladly and enjoyably go do these things - most companies would send other drivers but you muck in with the rest of them! Awesome!
Most people would think oh it's a bus and see it driven as it would be, I can imagine at least you if not your mate as well in a new bus - OMG it's a corner / building / anything - need to protect it until it's back at base ha ha ha. Good to see you and Jake eating, having a laugh and showing the fun you have!
Btw - Is Jake the other co -owner? would explain a lot more lol.
Awesome vid - loved it!
I have to say I really miss the older square MCI’s, but those new coaches you picked up were pretty sexy, too!
I miss the old D models. Those were tanks!
Excellent job!! Congratulations on the new buses!
I got the privilege of bringing a brand new road tractor from the factory. I paid for it with a company credit card. As a joke they said the card was declined & being so excited to begin with I almost lost my lunch. Great bunch of folks at KW. That day will live with me forever.
What?! Purchasing a new truck with a credit card has to be the most expensive way to finance it 🙃
@@Unknown_Ooh The card was just a means of funds transfer. Like a Com check or something. I don't do the office part of the company, and it was 1992
Fresh buses, fresh lids, and a nice lunch! Really digging the motor coach content!
Appreciate it James K. Kim. Thanks for commenting!
I wish they made a new bus smell cologne I totally would rock that everyday
Yes you’re doing very good I like the way you got the video is going
Hey Mark. Thanks for the comment. I wish the industry would come back!
Totally didnt tear up when you got off the old coach 😂
Love those songs in the video nice clip.
Great content!! Great video, thanks for sharing.
Nostalgia for the days when the unit number taped to the windshield matched the last 5 digits of the VIN… now they don’t because MCI adopted a new VIN system combined with that of New Flyer. All you had to do on J’s was figure out the engines- Cummins ISX-12 or X12, or Daimler DD13. Run em in Carfax and you would eventually get the full VIN figured out. Now it’s like a guessing game to even find them.
I love your new motor coach buses
It would be cool if you could do a follow up video where you visit your old traded in coach at their new homes (Legacy Tours?). And talk about the different ownership models amongt various coach operators: buy new/trade in newish, buy new/keep forever, buy used/keep forever and of course operators who perhaps blend different approaches in the same fleet. Something I'm curious about!
That is a very interesting perspective. Thanks for the idea. I need to find someone who has one of our old coaches and see if I can visit them.
good sir your living the dream I've had since i was a kid, what advice do you have
Hi Brian Jensen. Thanks for the comment! really appreciate it. So is your dream to become a motor coach operator or own a motorcoach company? either one right now is kind of a nightmare because of covid 19. But prior to this whole pandemic, it was a fun job. I loved every bit of it. Just hope things will get back to normal before we have to close down.
@@JWangvlogs To own or to manage a motor coach company, sorry! So with covid and everything going on, its really tough out there for everyone in transportation in general unless you drive a for a big trucking company. I can't even imagine what y'all are going through. Up here in Calgary, Alberta, I drive by all the bus yards and are they are mostly full, some routes have opened up but not much. So as brief as I can condense my history and why I love the motor coach industry. Growing up, the old man was a greyhound bus driver in Ontario, Canada and as a result, I got to go everywhere we could or was allowed to take me and sometimes the rest of the family. So I was exposed as a young-in and even worked at the Ottawa greyhound facility in my late teens, washing buses and even doing oil changes. Forward 3 years and I became a coach operator in Alberta after I had moved out here on a whim. I then worked 3-4 driving commentary tour bus in the Canadian rockies after of which I became a shuttle motor coach operator in the oil sands. After our oil economy collapsed, I decided to try truck driving where I have been ever since for a number of varying factors but lately I have been craving getting back into the coach industry.
@Luis Ventura Well aware my friend, I was practically born on a bus lol
It's easy only after proper training. Truck driving experience helped me transition easily. It's still just as serious or more so than trucking because you are not only responsible for the lives of the motoring public but for those that are riding in your coach. The most rewarding part of it to me are those two words that most people say as they exit off after the trip, and that is "THANK YOU".
@@brianjensen2806 In my opinion, it is a labor of love. You need a magnifying glass to see the profit margins. The other issue is how inconsistent the revenue is. You struggle to meet your overhead obligations during the slow winter months.
Awesome video the company I work for I'm the driver that picks up and brings home the "NEWER" coaches, never as a co owner and never a brand new coach, I've only brought home pre-owned Vanhools 🤭😂, good for you and the best of luck to you
CONGRATS on the new busses very cool ...
Thanks Adam Temple. Can't wait to be able to use them again.
我看到这两个新巴士，我至少回味一个礼拜！太棒了
They were a pleasure to drive. They do not stay new very long lol
BRUHHHHH!!!!!! Love the channel and videos!
Thank you Mario! Really made my day! I will keep them coming!
Mario miller sabes español
Those busses are beautiful
Thank you!
WOW!!!!
Nice bus 👍👍👍
Beautiful bus
Thanks Kyle! Appreciate the comment! Thanks for watching!
Actually, had no idea you were the director of operations for your company...cool
Hehe yeah it never really came up on my vlogs.
I had your dream, I ended up making poor life decisions 20 years ago and had to settle for trucking. One day I'll get in to driving a bus. Who knows, I might apply for Peoria Charters if you guys road test for the passenger endorsement.
We all make poor life decisions the important thing is never giving up and follow your dream.
We do train for passenger endorsement. You never know Michael give us a try. Thanks for commenting appreciate you taking the time to write
Awesome 👏🏼 It seems like you love what you do that’s why you are so successful At it. Many blessings to you and your company.
Bad ass !!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Hope you don't mind an old man telling you old bus stories. Back in the early '80's when I started driving for the Terre Haute Mass Transit, we had 3 different brands and years of busses. We had several 1960 era GMC's, the old ones with the big rounded corners and inward slanting windshields, 1970 era Twin Coaches and 4 brand new Blue Birds. The Jimmy's were atrocious. Sloppy steering. I mean a good 4 inches of play. Just ridiculous. No air, piss poor heat in the Winter. The windows were so slanted that when driving, you had to lean down over your steering wheel so you could see out of the windshield. These things were so old, they actually had a column shifter on them, no "park" just forward, neutral and reverse. The Twin Coaches on the other hand, sat high with a nice, big, flat windscreen. Just like the Jimmy's however, no power steering. Unlike the Jimmy's that had a very hard and rough ride, (kind of like driving a hardtail Harley), the Twin Coaches just bounced along all the time. Go through an intersection and it felt like you was on a kiddy's bouncy ride. The brakes on the Twin Coaches were so sloppy and spongey. You could be doing 35mph, slam the breaks on and it would take a good 50 feet to stop. Seriously. Now, onward to the 4 new Blue Birds. Heat, air conditioning, POWER STEERING!! They were a dream to drive. Of course they were reserved for the top for drivers with the most seniority. These guys thought they personally owned them. I was on the Extra Board, so got to drive them on the regular driver's day off.
One morning before going out on our runs, we had a meeting with the General Manager. He said there were complaints coming in that we were speeding on residential streets and that if we were caught speeding, we would get tickets. I through my ass out of shape and told him right there in front of everyone that none of the Jimmy's or Twin Coaches had working speed-o-meters (which they didn't). So the mayor started having Terre Haute city cops follow us with a radar gun. The Jimmys and Twin Coaches were notorious for being loud and leaving behind a blanket of thick black smoke. So after work that day, I go right to the Terre Haute Tribune Star and told a reporter what was going on. The next morning there at our layover spot at 7th and Wabash was this woman reporter and camera man. They ride my bus, took pictures of the non-working Speed-o-meters, rode of few more busses and took more pictures of the non-working speed-o-meters, interviewed me. Then the next morning, right on the front page is me and a picture of my non-working speed-o-meter. Long story short, the next morning, I get called into the mayor's office (Pete Chalos). He tells me that if I want working speed-o-meters-, he can lay off 10 or 12 of my brothers (his exact words), and get the speed-o-meters working. I was young at the time and wasn't thinking, but I should have told my General Manager that I wanted a Union Rep present during the meeting. We belonged to the Amalgamated Transit Union headquartered out of Chicago. So then the VERY next day on the frnt page was another story. An interview with the mayor (Pete Chalos) after having city police officers follow us with radar guns NO ONE WAS SPEEDING!!!! What's funny about this story is the fact that NONE of the other drivers would do an interview!! NOT A DAMN ONE OF THEM!!!! When that woman reporter road my bus which was a Twin Coach, I showed her how dangerous the breaks were, I told her hw sloppy the steering was in the old Jimmys. The NEXT year ALL of the Jimmys and Twin Coaches were retired. They bought a new fleet of a very nice streemlined busses. (I can't remember the name of them. They were smaller but still held around 40 passengers. Power steering, air conditioning and everything. So how did the city miraculously end up with funds to replace all the delapidated and outdated equipment? Come to find out, the city had been getting Federal Funding to update the old busses and never spent it. They kept it in escrow drawing interest from it. Pete Chalos was so ostracized by it that he not only eft the state, but he moved to Alaska and became a city admisistrator to a town of less than 2,000.
Some things never change. If you smell corruption, a pile of un-supervised money won't be too far away.
7:24 Rosemont, Illinois. Used to do traffic control for the Allstate Area for 3 years
Nice bus
Thanks
J Wang you well come
I am enjoying your channel. I drive for a local charter company on Vancouver Island in Canada in the summer, but in the winter I drive for the local ski hill. We use Bluebird Vision buses running B6.7 Cummins engines, and Eaton 7-speed Procision transmissions with air brakes, VGT engine braking AND Telma non-friction braking on the driveshaft. This enables us to come down the mountain with barely using the air brakes. They are mainly a back up. From the alpine lodge to the mountain base we are dropping 3,457 feet in 23 miles. There are a lot of 8% and 12% grades and it can be a challenge in the snow.
Blue birds? It's akin to a school bus lol
I've seen alot of MCI's the one ur getting and the one nj transit gets are very nice
Thanks Rusty plays. They are very nice. Drives very smooth.
Happy holidays
J I can't believe you left your Old Bus to those Guy she must felt betrayed 😂😂😂
they're like wondering why a coach is pulling into a tiny target parking lot lol
Yeah we do get a lot of strange looks sometimes lol
I am proud to see Chinese Americans build a successful career outside the stereotypical fields. Also, very well done videos. I found your other channel and enjoy watching them.
Wow, a million miles. That’s impressive. What brand and size of motor was on the old and new bus?
Hey Road Hog. Thanks for the comment. The old buses had Detroit series 60's in them and the new ones came with Cummins ISM's. Detroit pulled out of the Motorcoach market so from now on, most new buses will come with Cummins.
Wow, this new bus is beautiful! But where is the logo Peoria, James ?
They were brand new when we picked them up from Motor Coach Industries. We have to put them on after we get them home.
Love your videos, when is the next one?
Hi Johnny. Should have one uploaded in the next few hours. Than you for your comment. Love hearing from you guys. I will try to upload more regularly.
I am going to buy my 1st bus in September 😊😊
Hello, I'm a new subscriber to your channel and a bus fan as well. I noticed your two new buses had no graphics or livery scheme. It looks like your older busses are red while the newer ones are white. Do you paint or wrap your busses?
Adam
Hi Adam! We used to wrap but now we paint. Looks sharper. Thanks for the comment and the Sub!
James. Great channel.
I am an electrician and a part time CLS B CDL driver. I presently drive my daughters AM school bus route and I pickup as many evening charters as possible. In the past I've driven straight trucks over the road, a tow truck, a flat bed to cell phone tower electrical installations in Chicagoland, among other courier vehicles. I just love to drive. I found your channel about two weeks ago while investigating becoming a motor coach driver. I have since applied and have two offers for jobs in my area. The benefits are my only "hang up" as I have a family of four and I would have to give up the insurance that we currently hold.
Anyway, I digress. You have inspired me to vlog my progress on youtube. I'm dusting off the old GoPro and should start shooting some footage this week. With that in mind could I ask what video editing software you use? I may have some other you tube / motor coach questions in the future.
Oh, and I have to bring up the elephant in the room!! If one were to want to buy a new motorcoach, how much would it cost? (in rough numbers, lol)
Hi WisconsinDriven. Thank you for your comment. It's always awesome to meet people with a passion for being on the road. Yeah its hard to find a position with a Motor Coach company with benefits right off the bat. I totally understand your position though. I had to give up a lot when I changed my profession to be apart of the motor coach industry. Dedication and reliability pays off though. Gotta give it time and it sounds like it wont take you too long to make a good place for your self in a coach company.
It means so much to me to hear you say that my videos have inspired you. I can't wait to see some of your up coming vlogs! I have already subscribed to your channel. I use Shotcut. It is completely free to use and it offers quite a lot of features for pros as well as new editors. there is a bit of a learning curve but youtube offers a lot of video content on how to use it. The famous movie Pulp Fiction used Shotcut editing software.
A brand new motor coach costs about $500,000 so a down payment will not be cheap. Leave your self some room for a place to store it, insurance will not be cheap as well as the IFTA sticker and Annual and semi annual inspection stickers to be in DOT compliance. Buying a used one will cost less. A good one will be around 230 to 300 K and any less than that you probably don't want to mess with.
There is always the route of leasing one and you are looking at between a $6000 to $8000 per month lease. Make sure you have someone who can work on it though because even the brand new ones will give you problems. It is not a easy industry to break into but it sure is fun driving them. I wish you all the luck in the world sir and please feel free to write to me. Feel free to call Peoria charter and ask for me. I would be more than happy to chat with you if you have any questions.
What year were the old buses ? (2002) Were they giving much trouble ?
I think one was a 2002 and the other was a 2003. They ran fine. We like to keep our fleet updated and not hold on to them when they get to a million miles.
Have you ever driven a Prevost? Is there a notable difference in the drive if so?
Yes I have Driven a Prevost. We used to have many of them. As they aged we started to phase them out. We reacently bought a brand new one 2020. Its a treat to drive. I would say Prevost's are more luxurious. They have more bells and whistles. Thats nice but it leaves more to go wrong as the coach ages. I love driving them. MCI's are more rugged and simply designed. Prevost's are a bit top heavy compared to MCI's. On windy days, I would rather be in a MCI than a Prevost. Prevost's are 12 feet 4 inches tall compared to a J4500 which are 11 feet 10 inches. So they catch a bit more wind. I did a vlog where I drove a Prevost.
ua-cam.com/video/sM4R4YNIjcE/v-deo.html
check it out
I had assumed that new motorcoaches were delivered with the livery and logo of the customer, just like planes, but I guess not. How long did it take after picking them up to use them on the first trip with passengers?
Usually about a week to put the livery decals up and all the peripherals, like Cameras and ELD devices and wifi etc..
Cool video how much did they cost an what size motor
New moto coaches are around $500,000. These had the cummin's in them
All depends on what equipment is install. The A/V equipment is about 30 Grand.
At 8:51, I just noticed another Peoria Charter coach in the same lot! Coincidence that it was there???? Probably not
Yeah the place we ate at was actually a parking lot that's near one of our line run stops. Our drivers like to come here to eat lunch because they have a layover near this place.
Actually went over and said hi to the driver but I did not get it on film
Nicely done! Love the new MCI’s - there’s another old school coach that we got over here in Australia: the MC-7 and MC-9! Purchased by Ansett Pioneer, these coaches were really sophisticated for their time
How do you establish reference points on the windshield so you stay inside your lane?
You know I've never really thought about it that way. It's the same type of feeling as in a car, you kinda just get to know the vehicle. When turning the mirrors are what keeps you from running over things
@@JWangvlogs Thanks. Has business dropped off for your company? The virus outbreak has severely impacted charter companies in the Seattle area.
@@stevedavenport1202 yes we have definitely felt it.
Just found this wonderful channel. Can I ask in what situation you are getting rid of old ones for new ones? Is it because marketing or mechanical reason? I am thinking to buy a used one.
Hey Fred! Thanks for the comment. Usually when a coach reaches around 1 million miles we like to trade the in. we try to maintain a more modern fleet and with 60 coaches, we end up saving money when we get ride of older coaches because there is less maintenance to worry about.
@@JWangvlogs thanks for replying. I kind of worried for my comment. I thought it was not a good time for such kind of questions. Really hope your company roars back and stronger.
Biscally you are saying any well maintained bus less than 1 million miles should be okay for a mild bus conversion usage.
@@wangfred no worries. Absolutely great question. I'm sorry it took me a bit to respond. I try to respond within a day. Maybe I'm being too ambitious.
Yes should be fine for conversation so long as you are not planning to drive 300 miles every day which is what a commercial coach averages.
Did they give you a full tank of fuel, and did you check for dings, dents, and scratches before you left the lot?
Hi Steve. Yes we had a full tank. And yes I did a full pretrip.
@@JWangvlogs How much did the bus cost? If you can disclose that.
@@stevepackard8542 about $500k per bus
@@JWangvlogs That's A lot of money! Do those busses hold their value?
@@stevepackard8542 yes they do. Better than cars. But they also still depreciate. A good coach should last 700,000 to 800,000 miles before a engine and transmission change.
Can you tell me the correct CDL license name to drive a motorcoach?
Hey Thomas. For most Motor Coach companies, you would need a Class B CDL with Air Break, passenger endorsement and a Coach or school bus endorsement. But some companies that operate smaller vehicles may not require the air breaks.
So do they fill the fuel tank(s) when they deliver it?
Yes they do! Good question AL!
Shit. For north of 1/2 million bucks they better give you more than a dam baseball cap!
Gorgeous buses. Are your buses ordered or purchased off the lot?
Hey Raymond Mui! Some are ordered and some we go and get off the lot. Depends on the deal.
Kia Ora (Greetings) Mr Wang. I really enjoy your videos. Have you driven any European Motor Coaches e.g. Volvo, Scania or Man coaches? If so how do they compare with MCI coaches?
Hey John thanks for commenting appreciate you taking the time to write. I've driven Setras and Volvos. European coaches are definitely more fancier. They are also designed to be prettier and they drive like sports cars. Us coaches are not designed as pretty but the reason we keep them is because it's cheaper to maintain them parts are easily available. We ended up getting rid of the Setras because they were so expensive to keep maintained and buy parts for. Great question thank you
@@JWangvlogs Thank you for your informative reply James. The reason why I asked is that MCI coaches are extremely rare down here in New Zealand, although I believe they are quite common across the ditch in Australia. European coaches dominate the motor coach and bus transport industry here in New Zealand.
Good morning. MCI buses are amazing, i like it really much... Do you know where I can buy a diecast model of one MCI bus???
Thank you, and nice video.
Hi John Fernandez! Thank you for the comment. I love the MCI too! Amazon has some nice detailed Diecast models.
www.amazon.com/Amtrak-California-MCI-J4500-Diecast/dp/B07GBYXSZC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S8MWYYGH1PFR&dchild=1&keywords=mci+j4500+bus&qid=1603733439&sprefix=MCI+J%2Ctoys-and-games%2C150&sr=8-1
Hey J, when can we expect a new upload, I’m loving the videos💯🤝🖤
Hey Freshboii. Thank you so much! Means a lot to hear people say that about my videos. I'm probably going to one up within the next few weeks. I don't get sent out much on coach trips and I don't think my videos without coaches get as much attention lol. I will try to be more frequent with my videos. I have a lot of fun doing them.
Great, and also I like the “In a day of a MotorCoach Operator” a lot because I wanted to own my own motor coach transportion company and I want to learn the in- and outs by watching the your videos 💯
NICE BUS
From the videos, it felt like the Brandy new MCI is bumpier?
Wow i'm, surprised you could tell. Yes the newer MCI J models are a bit stiffer when it comes to bumps. Good eyes Mark Wang!
So. Ya get free baseball cap free for each new coach purchase? Wow man. I'm just beside myself. The generosity leaves me with very few choice words.
Hey James was the trade in j4500 you were driving, a Caterpillar c13?
Oh yeah and the new 2020 models you got are those Cummins Isx 12s or Detroit DD 13s or 15s
Cummins. Lol good question
Ok cool.
Do these buses have hybrid drivetrains?
Hey Joseph. No they don't.
How much money is a brand new bus?
Around half a million depending on the trim package you get
ZF transmission?
Not on these. The one I drove there was a ZF
Is it me or there is dramatic improvement in sound?
you have a sharp ear Nursultan! This is the first time I used a clip on mic.
What year version was the red/white j4500
I think it was a 2000 or a 2001
2022 MCI J4500 CUMMINS X12 ALLISON WORLD B500R6
I was working 20 plus years for greyhound as a motor coach operator what company are you working for so I can find a company to work specially in this pandemic times
I am with Peoria Charter Coach. we have locations in Peoria IL, Urbana IL, and Chicago IL. Take your pick
Is there a standard trim what type do you have?and is this is before biden inflation? That price
The price on motor coaches didn't really change since the inflation. Partially due to the fact that people had a hard time selling them during covid. They might start going up now because there's a huge demand for them again. Some of our fleet have more luxurious packages than some of our fleet have standard packages. But you can expect the price to be between half a million to $700,000 window depending on what you want added and how you want your coach configured. Some coaches can go past a million dollars due to the additions and luxury packages.
It looked like the bus was crying
Now that i look at it, it kind of does. It was hard to see the old girl go.
@@JWangvlogs ohh you replied , thanks i sub'd
Is that MCI
Yes it is!
J Wang why did you trade in a bus
J Wang if my instructor says the brand is your guys I will call your brand for a bus request
@@rockyfanatic6846 hey Rocky. We like to keep our fleet age average up. And to do that we get rid of some older buses for brand new ones.
J Wang plus of the brand is Peoria charter I will call your band for 207 straight when I get home
When you are on the road who pays for your food is it you or your company just wondering
Hey Douglas. Good question. My company gives drivers per diem for meals. They get to keep the Per Diem if they don't use it all.
@@JWangvlogs what’s does per diem mean sorry I’m not the brightest bulb in the pack if you know what I mean
@@douglastaylor4727 It's Latin meaning "for each day". It means you get a fixed amount of money for each day or meal away. For example, you get $13 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, and $26 for dinner. If you spend less than that (or none at all because you brought your own food), you keep the extra. If you spend more, like you ordered steak and lobster, then you have to pay the extra yourself. The opposite is a reimbursement system where you save the receipts and you get paid back for the exact amount.
@@JWangvlogs Per Diem per our company
That armored car is the most expensive Cadillac that you’ll ever see.
hello there so what does it take to be a motor coach operator?
Hi Saul. Thanks for your comment. Legally, you need a class B CDL with airbreak and passenger endorsement. On top of that you will also need a Charter or school bus endorsement. The company I work for will hire people without any of these items and we will provide training. But other companies may have different requirements.
@@JWangvlogs sweet I'm a truck driver now I drive for a company out of Rockford Illinois I've been watching your videos and I enjoy them a lot seems like it's a lot of fun with passengers and tours
@@saulfernandez999 we have several drivers that came from the trucking industry. You definitely get to go to a lot more interesting places. Also your cargo talks back and they definitely will judge you if you curb the bus.
@@JWangvlogs I definitely can imagine lol I love the new buses
@@JWangvlogs well something I'm really interested in doing in my career 😊
It is in des plains not Chicago
Looking for work in Staten Island New York as a motorcoach operator I have many years of experience
These new ones probably have 200000 miles on them now
haha not a bad guess. Yes pretty close.
Have you seen the news
no... what happened?
No pretrip necessary...🙂🙃😉
No se ingles pero me imagine ke dio el bus ke el traía por uno del año claro refinanciado alguien ke me conteste
Thank you for the comment. I'm afraid I do not speak Spanish. Even with google translate I can't really make out what you are trying to convey. I appreciate you watching my videos and commenting. Take care!
@@JWangvlogs muy bonito tu bus 👍
@@JWangvlogs muchas felicidades por que renovó su equipo de trabajo a mi en lo personal me alegra ke alas personas ke trabajan les valla bien en la vida gracias a dios
@Luis Ventura me da gusto ke allá renovado su equipo de trabajo
Esta persona trabaja como chofer y la compania para la que trabaja compro los 2 autobuses , usualmente en estados unidos solo usan Los autobuses ciertos años y luego Los cambian por cuestiones se seguridad y aseguros.
Contrast you hit 200 subscribers
I know!!! I'm really excited about that! Appreciate all the support! I feel the love.😄
James Wang you welcome