Senator Kerry Talks Green Issues at Peter Pan

March 29, 2010 | American Bus Association  | Issue Number 68

As part of his efforts to rally grassroots support for his climate change legislation, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) toured Peter Pan Bus Lines’ Springfield, Mass.-based eco-friendly headquarters this month. Kerry, who is working on the bill together with Senators Joseph

Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Lindsay Graham (R-SC), toured a unique Peter Pan bus equipped with an ultra-clean engine and emissions control system designed to run on Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and/or a blend of ULSD with a certain percentage of the fuel mix being biodiesel, which helps to reduce emissions by more than 90 percent in new coaches.

“We had a very successful visit with Mr. Kerry,” said Peter Pan President Peter Picknelly, an ABA Board Member. “He is committed to helping our industry with his new legislation.”

Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) was also present during the event. Neal is expected to be the next Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee.

In other Peter Pan news, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recently inspected and rated the company with its highest possible safety designation in recognition of their outstanding company-wide safety procedures.

DOD rates motorcoach carriers on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest rank attainable, and 5 indicating a safety profile deemed “unsatisfactory.” The inspection protocol includes all driver logs, paperwork, up-to-date licensing and medical records of drivers, as well as current vehicle registrations and inspection documentation to be in order and in compliance with all standards as set forth by DOD. Peter Pan received a 1.

“The safety and comfort of our passengers is Peter Pan’s #1 priority,” Picknelly said.  “A positive DOD inspection is invaluable to our company’s ongoing success.”