ABC Companies, a recognized
leader in the sales, service and support of advanced transport solutions has
recently completed a major bus overhaul contract for OmniRide headquartered in
Woodbridge, Virginia, about 25 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. OmniRide
is the operating name for the mobility services offered by the Potomac and
Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC). OmniRide’s goal is to provide
safe, reliable and flexible transportation options while helping to reduce
congestion and pollution in one of the region's fastest growing areas. OmniRide operates
Express and Local bus services in neighborhoods surrounded by the busy I-95 and
I-66 corridors, and in 2018, had more than 150 buses in its active fleet making over 2.5
million passenger trips. ABC Companies completed an earlier contract with the
company, having successfully restored 65 vehicles for OmniRide/PRTC in
2015.
On this most recent project, ABC
was selected via OmniRide’s extensive RFP bid process in 2017. The scope of
work to be completed encompassed a full overhaul of twenty-three MCI D4500,
model year 2008/2009 buses. The contract was managed, coordinated and conducted
at ABC Companies Winter Garden, Florida facility over a 2-year period. From
structural repairs and exterior paint and graphics, to electrical, mechanical
and interior restoration, the project refurbished the vehicles to extend their
fleet life according to Ed Harmon, ABC Companies
National Director of Operations,
Southeast Region. “If you’ve ever been to a vintage car show and examined
the condition of those beautifully restored vehicles, that’s pretty much what
we’ve accomplished with the OmniRide restoration project”. From inside the
engine compartment to the bus interior and exterior, these vehicles have been
rebuilt, restored and detailed.
Throughout the
project, strict quality guidelines were followed in order to meet or exceed
quality standards. An in-house inspector contracted
by OmniRide conducted on-site inspections at the ABC Florida facility on a
daily basis throughout the entire project. ABC’s Service Department utilized
high-tech equipment throughout the restoration including for example; laser
alignment technology, which compensates for environmental variances, and
ensures proper axle alignment by greatly reducing the margin for error.
Even after the buses are delivered,
the follow through continues, according to Mr. Harmon. “After sale support, a commitment
to quality and responsive customer service are the priorities”, he says.
“It has been a rewarding process
that matches well with ABC’s work ethic and quality standards”, notes Harmon.
“We’ve enjoy a great relationship with OmniRide and look forward to supporting
their fleet via future contracts”. ABC Companies is a leading provider to the
transportation industry with diverse product and service offerings that
cover a full spectrum of operational needs including new and pre-owned full-size
highway coach equipment along with transit specialty vehicles. ABC supports
customers with a comprehensive after sale service network for service and
repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and quality aftermarket parts needs
for transit, motorcoach and heavy-duty equipment from ten strategically placed
locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Additionally, private and municipal financing and leasing options are
available through the company's financial services group – one of the largest
financial service providers within the
