Safety Archives - Starr Tours & Charters
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On the Road Again… To Ocean City, NJ!

Tour Name:  Ocean City, NJ Beach Express
Date:   August 12, 2020
Tour Director:  Gene Gray
Driver:  Walt Deminski

 

Our day began smoothly with 18 pioneers for Starr’s first public bus trip since the pandemic closed everything down in mid-March. And what a wonderful first trip it was! As always I reviewed the bus safety rules and showed the safety video, and then I discussed the new Covid protocols. Everyone adhered to the protocols perfectly. Masks were worn at all times, people used hand sanitizer at every opportunity, and our Tour Guests were pleased with their seat arrangements that provided physical distancing on the bus.

Masks on and ready to roll!

After I reviewed the detailed plan for the day, I provided a brief history of Ocean City, NJ as we traveled southward to  a short rest stop on the Atlantic City Expressway. Once we were on the road again, I played summertime songs such as “Under the Boardwalk,” “Summer in the City,” and “Surfin’ USA” to get everyone hyped up for a fun day at the beach. We arrived on time and parked at the 13th Street Bike Rental Shop and Bathhouse in Ocean City.

Once off the bus, the Tour Guests scattered. Some went to the beach while others walked and shopped. Thankfully, the beach and the boardwalk were not very crowded. People were social distancing and about 50% of the people were wearing masks on the boardwalk. Although it was a warm and humid day, there was a nice ocean breeze that kept us comfortable. The water was 70° and delightful to immerse oneself in. The blue skies gave way to clouds about 2:00 PM but not a drop of rain fell on us. The Tour Guests indulged themselves with treats they remembered receiving as children on family beach vacations. Reminiscing about past memories and reliving a day on the beach and boardwalk keeps you young and vibrant. Everyone agreed that it was GREAT to be out and about after months of being cooped up.

Every ten minutes, a recorded announcement from Ocean City reminded all beach goers and boardwalk walkers to socially distance and wear masks inside all establishments. Signs were posted in every store or restaurant window detailing the State Guidelines to maintain health. I was very impressed with the seriousness with which Ocean City followed the laws set up by the State of New Jersey. At no time did I feel uncomfortable and I’ve been extremely cautious and protective of myself throughout the pandemic.

Everyone arrived at the bus ten minutes early and we were soon on our way home with everyone continuing to follow Starr’s safety protocols throughout the return trip. The trip was perfect in… almost… every way – a real tribute to hard work and diligence of the entire Starr family. Unfortunately, one Tour Guest’s ice cream met an untimely demise at the hands claws of a seagull who decided to ruffle up her hair and make off with the sweet treat. Other than that, everyone had a wonderful and fulfilling day and there was hardly a sound on the bus as everyone was totally exhausted after a long day of play in Ocean City.

I enjoy working with Starr Driver Walt Deminski (my partner in crime for last year’s Cross Country trip) and he was once again a pleasure to team up with. He always goes above and beyond and it is often the little touches that he includes on his bus that add extra delights to the experience. This trip, he made sure to secure his stuffed camel in the front of the bus in honor of it being “hump day.” Both he and I made sure we led by example and masked up in or around the bus at all times.

We are smiling behind the masks – I promise!

Walt and I met up with two passengers from my 2018 Cross Country trip who live in Ocean City. Jacque McLeer and and her sister, Mary Crane, read on Starr’s Facebook Page that I’d be down in Ocean City for the day and texted me about 11:00 AM. We met at 2:00 PM and caught up for nearly an hour. It was great seeing both of them. Mary and Jacque are already booked for our 2021 Cross Country Trip and are looking forward to their upcoming Mackinac Island Trip with Starr this coming weekend!

On a personal note, it was GREAT for me to be back on the road. I didn’t realize how much I had missed traveling with Starr. I so appreciate the measures Starr has created to make travel as safe and worry free as possible. I know the passengers were grateful and I certainly was as well. I definitely feel more confident to escort more trips after having experienced the safety protocols taken on this trip and I very much appreciate the monumental efforts Starr has gone through to remove as many anxieties from the travel experience as possible.

The Starr staff continues to be at the top of their game. 😊

 

Happy Trails Until We Meet Again,
Gene

Motorcoach Safety Update

70th anniversary seal2017 marks Starr’s 70th year in business. As a second generation owner of Starr Bus Charter & Tours as well as the Strategic Safety Chairman for the American Bus Association (ABA), it is with great interest that I look ahead to the new motorcoach safety regulations which are put into place every year by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). I am always interested in how new regulations will move our industry forward and how, we at ABA, influence these regulations.

Throughout my 46 years in the motorcoach industry, I have been witness to the implementation of many new regulations by the various leaders of the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve motorcoach safety. Traditionally, as presidential administrations change, new department heads are appointed. Elaine Chao has been selected by the new administration to lead the U.S. DOT as Secretary of Transportation. Ms. Chao served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation under George H.W. Bush, and I expect Secretary Chao will take a hard look at existing motorcoach safety regulations in addition to new proposals put forth. I anticipate her approach and determination will be effective and practical to ensure riding on a motorcoach will be as safe as possible, and even safer than in the past.

Starr will continue to be a leader in safety and regulatory compliance as we manage our own fleet of coaches and highly trained Drivers. Starr will continue its philosophy of providing the highest level of safety, not only by its lawful operations, but resulting from the many proprietary safety programs we have put in place to help ensure our riders a safe and comfortable travel experience. The safety awards earned by Starr are evidence of our safe driving commitment in addition to our commitment to you, and our quest for new and improved operational policies and practices.

Safety Rating SealOur entire team at Starr is dedicated to continuously advance and look for new ways to increase the level of safety in our industry. Starr is proud to introduce on its two newest coaches additional L.E.D. turning signal lights. The additional lights will serve to increase the visibility of our coach to other motorists and pedestrians when it is making turns or changing lanes. The additional coach lighting is a safety idea that we at Starr suggested to our motorcoach manufacturer, Prevost. An idea we envisioned, will be adopted not just by Prevost, but by the other motorcoach manufacturers to create safer vehicles for their motorcoach customers.

Alan Glickman
Alan Glickman, CEO

We thank you for your loyalty and for the faith and trust you have placed in us.

Warmest regards,
Alan Glickman, CEO Starr Transit