2010 Used Bus Showcase Archives
August 2010
Used Bus Showcase
"Kankakee County Fair Bus Races"
On Wednesday, August 4, the Kankakee County Fair will be hosting its annual Kankakee County Fair bus races. To prepare for the event, Midwest Transit Equipment donated buses to be demoed. But before the buses can be raced and subsequently demoed, the buses had to be painted. Various local businesses and organizations stepped up to the plate, and each painted a bus to be represented in the races.
This year’s participants include:
Kankakee County Fair (Driver: Debbie Marcotte; Grant Park, IL) – Theme: It’s Christmas in August! The county Fair would like to say thank you to all the groups that painted a bus and to all who are coming out to support the fair.
All Around Kids 4-H Club (Driver: Paul Jaurez; Momence, IL) – Aroma Park and St. Anne area 4-H Club would like encourage all youth to join their local 4-H club and wish all 4-H members good luck at the fair.
Wal-mart (Driver: Michael Perry; Frankfort, IL; Midwest Transit Equipment employee) – The local Wal-Mart painted a bus for the second time this year. This year’s theme is world-wide as they serve many countries around the globe.
Limestone Leaders (Driver: Kenny Dato; Limestone, IL) – Limestone Leaders is a local 4-H group. You can check out the kids’ exhibits throughout the fair. Make note of their sponsors that they listed on the side of the bus.
Rated PG (Driver: Tony Barker; Hoopeston, IL) – Rated PG Demolition Derby of Hoopeston wants to join in on the show. Be sure to come as they put on the car and truck derby. This will be an event you won’t want to miss.
Ink In and Ink Out (Driver: Derrick Berlin; Romeoville, IL; Midwest Transit Equipment employee) – This new business in the Kankakee Area wishes all fair-goers luck and hopes they have a great day at the Kankakee County Fair.
Central New Impressions (Driver: Jerome Warner; Kankakee, IL; Midwest Transit Equipment employee) – Central new Impressions is a show choir that went to four performances this past year. Their main event is the annual Night on the Town that is held at the Central High School Auditorium. They will shock you with their performances. They hope to win this contest with the intimidation factor of white lightening.
Drill Team (Driver: Matt Witveot; Irwin, IL) – Will County 4-H Sizzlin Hot Equestrian Drill Team was formed in 2004. It is compromised of 4-H youth from various Will County 4-H clubs, ages ranging from 10 to 19 and alumni. They will be performing at the Fair’s IPRA Rodeo. They show their patriotism with their all American bus.
Boy Scouts (Driver: Norman Kleinert; Bonfield, IL) – Boy Scout Troop 361’s upside-down bus is ready just in case of a flipped bus accident. With an extra set of wheels on top, they are ready to go head over wheels for this race.
Herscher FFA (Driver: Chris Ohrt; Limestone, IL) – The FFA organization works with students and the community to promote agriculture. Many of the FFA students will be showing at this fair and hope to see their bus run over the competition.
Kids with Kids 4-H Club (Driver: Kevin Neafie; Michigan City, IN) – Kids with Kids is a Kankakee County 4-H club run by Julie and Rick Radtke. The kids in this club all raise and show goats. Their bus gives a shout-out to all their sponsors that help them throughout the year.
River Valley FFA (Driver: Jimmy Witveot; St. Anne, IL) – The River Valley FFA’s bus is promoting agriculture by using the phrase “All roads lead to Ag.” One side demonstrates city life while the other demonstrates life on the farm – all of which relies upon agriculture to survive. This FFA chapter includes the schools of Momence, St. Anne and Grant Park.
Central FFA (Driver: James Witveot; Momence, IL) – The Central FFA is looking to grow another fun and exciting year. The students are planting the seeds for many more great achievements and awards. The FFA organization helps youth grow in leadership skills and responsibility.
Sam Spence’s “Love Bus” (Driver: Brett Kleinert; Watseka, IL) – Taking it back to the 1960’s with the love bus. They hope to win this contest with peace, love and tie dye.
It is said that Norman Kleinert, driver of the Boy Scouts bus, is favored to win. When asked why, I was simply told, “Stormin’ Norman’s already won twice in the past.”
Check back in September for the race results!
July 2010
Used Bus Showcase
"Illiana Shuttles"
In March 2010, Illiana Shuttles, LLC purchased 2 buses (a shuttle bus and a school bus) from Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc. Illiana Shuttles provides transportation and “party buses” for special events.
After purchasing the buses, the vehicles were transformed to better serve the business’s needs. “The small bus was easy,” says Kathy Wilson, owner of Illiana Shuttles, based out of Watseka, IL. “We added tables and a bar to the small bus and rearranged the seats into groups.” This transformation took only a couple days. The school bus, now “party bus,” was a bit more work. First, the outside of the bus was painted. Next came the interior. Interior redesign includes tinted windows, new flooring and the addition of a bar. Also, the seats were rearranged into a more linear fashion. “The big bus has taken longer, a couple of months,” says Wilson. “We are doing all the work ourselves, [so it is] still a work in progress.”
Currently, the shuttle bus is being used for private trips to special events, including pub crawls and airport shuttle service. The larger bus is also being used for private events for up to 30 guests.
Wilson says the use of transformed school buses has “been fun,” and has garnered a positive response from her clients.
June 2010
Used Bus Showcase
"Bear Chaser"
Chuck Wagner got a steal of a deal when he purchased his bus from Midwest Transit Equipment in April 2010. Looking for a vehicle to bring along to fairs and other events to assist with his hot air balloon rides, Wagner found the perfect solution to his transportation needs: a used childcare bus.
In two short months, the bus received a complete makeover. Extensive renovations include: an added roof rack, trailer rig, brake assembly, brush guard in front, air horn, driver-side step, lockable tool box and a right door opener. Also on the exterior, lettering/signs were added and mirrors were removed. On the interior, the seats were turned and secured 90 degrees, and he added 2 air ride seats, pillows, a cooler, a port-a-potty, spare tire, XM satellite radio and floor load hooks for a motorcycle and ramp.
Cleverly named, “Bear Chaser,” the bus is currently being used for balloon rides and festivals. Wagner says, “It serves well as a third car / hauling truck for yard work and large groups we my take to the City. You can fit a canoe or motorcycle inside, or you can watch fireworks on the roof rack. We pull our live stock trailer with it and just love all the crazy questions that come our way.”
In regards to the purchasing process, Wagner adds, “[The purchase was a] great choice [and a] great deal. Too bad more people don’t take advantage of this type of bus. [The bus is a] great size for parking!”
May 2010
Used Bus Showcase
"Minnesota Coaches, Inc."
Minnesota Coaches, Inc., a motor coach and school bus transportation company, purchased their bus from Midwest Transit Equipment/Used-Bus.com at the end of February 2010. Since its purchase, Minnesota Coaches, Inc. gave the bus a full, exterior paint job (with the addition of vinyl graphics), repaired damaged flooring and installed a functional TV/DVD system. It took approximately 2 ½ weeks to complete the transformation. Future plans for the bus include adding WIFI Internet.
Currently, their new bus is being used to transport various charter groups, schools, universities and Boy Scout groups around Minnesota and surrounding areas. According to Joe Krois of Minnesota Coaches, Inc., the public’s response has been very positive as they are able to provide “a motor coach style ride for a school bus rate.”
Krois continues, “Our salesperson, Mario, is fantastic to deal with – nothing but the utmost professionalism and honesty throughout this and every deal. I would never hesitate to buy anything from him as I have never been steered wrong throughout many years of wonderful service. 100% top notch operation at Midwest Transit! Can’t wait for the next deal!”
April 2010
Used Bus Showcase
"New Zion Missionary Baptist Church"
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church purchased their bus from Midwest Transit Equipment on March 2, 2010. Their new bus provides transportation for adults and children to and from church on Sundays and Wednesdays. The bus is also used for senior and youth outings. Future plans include using the bus as transportation for mission trips.
Bill Horn, lay leader at New Zion Missionary Baptist church says, “Our growing bus ministry made it necessary to purchase an additional bus, praise God. After talking to several bus companies, it soon became clear that [Midwest Transit Equipment] was the company to supply our needs. When our first selection became unavailable, Jacob (McBurnie) immediately recommended two viable alternatives. Once we made our final selection, the team of Ken (Maupin) and Paula (Grob) walked us through the entire process. Their recommended graphics package made a bold visual statement and far exceeded our expectations. After we picked up the bus, they continued to follow up with us to insure our satisfaction. It was a pleasure to work with those who share our Christian values. As our bus ministry continues to grow, [Midwest Transit Equipment] will remain our vendor of choice for all future needs.”
Midwest Transit Equipment maintains and operates a fully equipped body shop and full-size paint booth. All of our graphics are custom designed in-house, including artistic paint treatments and graphics. Your unique customization is limited only by your imagination.
March 2010
Used Bus Showcase
"Sprader's on the Lake"
Matt Sprader and Sue DuBois, owners of “Sprader’s on the Lake,” a small, local bar located on Oxbow Lake in White Lake, Michigan, purchased their used bus from Midwest Transit Equipment/Used-Bus.com in December 2009. The bus is currently being used by the owners’ family and friends for various activities, including birthday parties, ice skating excursions, trips to the Hard Rock Café and “club hopping.”
Since its purchase, the bus underwent a massive overhaul. Sue DuBois describes the entire transformation: “After gutting the interior, except for the driver’s seat, new seating was designed, constructed and installed. The seat design allowed for a new sound and custom lighting system to be installed. A restroom, approximately 3’x5’, was added behind the driver’s seat.”
The interior is where function meets design with this unique makeover: “Interior design elements, such as wood flooring, black leather and animal print fabrics contribute to the interior ‘fun’ and comfort of the bus,” adds DuBois.
The two-week renovation also included an exterior paint job. The bus was painted a high-gloss black, complete with metallic silver rims and detailing.
“The response from our patrons and the community has been overwhelmingly positive,” says DuBois. “The service we have received from the staff at Midwest, notably Tim [Chamness], Dave [Lindsey], Liz [Ross] and Stan [Lambert], has made our experience with the bus one we will never forget.
From selecting the bus, to delivering it to White Lake, they all went out of their way to be helpful and make our experience with Midwest very positive. We look forward to our next bus being delivered in a few days.
Thanks to everyone at Midwest Transit for your amazing customer service! And a special thanks to [Tim Chamness] for his expertise and patience!”
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February 2010
Used Bus Showcase
"Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort"
In December 2009, Showshoe Mountain Ski Resort purchased 3 used buses from Midwest Transit Equipment/used-bus.com to transport their guests around the resort. Since being purchased, these buses have been reconfigured to better suit the resort’s needs.
This one week transformation includes changes to both the interior and exterior. First, the buses were painted white with a route sign on the passenger side. On the inside, “[w]e turned all the seats sideways for perimeter seating for more room for adults with ski clothes, boots and equipment,” says Scott Gibb of Snowshoe Mountain.
Future plans include the possibility of adding a blue stripe and logo to the outside of the buses.
“It was a pleasure dealing with Mario,” says Gibb. We are very pleased with the quality paint job put on the buses. We hope to purchase some more in the future.”
Midwest Transit Equipment is honored to have helped Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort meet their transportation needs. We look forward to working with them again in the future.
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January 2010
Used Bus Showcase
"Rent My Ninja"
Kevin and Jill Nolde of www.rentmyninja.com purchased their bus from Used-Bus.com in January 2009. The Nolde’s rent Kawasaki Ninja 250 motorcycles at racetracks for track days and racing.
What was once a common, everyday school bus has since been painted “Kawasaki green” and now sports a revamped interior. First, they removed all but the first two rows of seats. The first row of seats was flipped to face the 2nd row, creating a “lounge” feel at the front of the bus. Next, they installed Pitbull® permanent motorcycle stands to haul 8 motorcycles.
“Our clients think we are so smart to [use a bus] verses a $30,000 truck and $10,000 trailer,” says Jill. Future plans for the bus include adding an air conditioner to really create a lounge for their customers.
Jill adds, “This first year of business would have been much harder had it not been for the savings of having the bus. It has been very reliable with no mechanical problems at all. My husband has put thousands of miles on it, and all we have done is change the oil once.”
Midwest Transit Equipment is proud to have helped Kevin and Jill Nolde meet their transportation needs.
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