GO Riteway maintains long standing family values of honesty, integrity and a commitment to treat employees and customers with respect. This philosophy naturally lead to the realization that not only dependable, but safe transportation and operations are key to the company’s viability and growth.

GO Riteway has in place strict safety practices and procedures. From driver training and fleet maintenance programs to the sleep apnea screening program, their commitment to safety is apparent. Ron Bast, president of Riteway commented. “It’s an honor to be recognized as the leading motorcoach operator in North America for our safety efforts and achievements and we thank the UMA and Daecher Consulting for this award.”

The United Motorcoach Association (“UMA”) is North America’s largest association of professional bus and motorcoach companies. Founded in 1971 as the United Bus Owners of America, UMA’s membership now includes over 900 motorcoach companies. Another 250 motorcoach manufacturers, suppliers and related businesses are currently “Associate” members of UMA. To learn more UMA.org

The Daecher Consulting Group provides professional and expert services in a variety of areas within the transportation, safety and insurance industries. They are dedicated to improving safety within the transportation industry. For more about Daecher Consulting visit: safetyteam.com

One of the Midwest’s leading ground transportation providers, GO Riteway is serious about protecting the public and the environment. Taking steps to a greener fleet is nothing new for GO Riteway. “For a number of years GO Riteway has been in tune with environmental concerns regarding the transportation industry,” says Ron Bast, president and owner of GO Riteway. “We have practices and policies in place such as idle reduction and fuel conservation programs, emission control technologies, newer, lower emitting vehicles, hybrid vehicles and in the airport services fleet, vans that operate on propane autogas. Converting our airport shuttle fleet to run on propane autogas is the most recent step in our environmental sustainability efforts.” GO Riteway’s green practices are designed to reduce nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and green house gas emissions.

WCC-SEA works with interested parties, particularly fleets to: reduce emissions, encourage the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles and to develop the refueling infrastructure necessary to sustain the industry. To learn more visit their website: www.wicleancities.org

ABA Green Operator Award

The award was presented to Go Riteway President Ron Bast on Jan. 9 during ABA Marketplace in Grapevine, Texas. Marketplace is the ABA’s annual trade exhibition where 3,300 delegates gathered for networking opportunities and educational seminars.

“We are honored to be the first company recognized in our industry for our continuing sustainability efforts,” says Bast. “We are always looking for cleaner, lower cost solutions as it relates to our transportation fleet and the way we do business. We’re very proud to be doing our part in making improvements that benefit the communities we serve.”

Go Riteway was chosen as the first recipient of the award because of its leadership and commitment to green stewardship. “The company places a high priority on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy conservation,” said Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president of sales and marketing. “Go Riteway continues to update their motor coach fleet with newer models that feature the latest near-zero emissions engine technology, such as the MCI J4500 that we recently delivered to them. The company also adheres to a strict maintenance regimen, helping to reduce emissions and optimize fuel economy.”

Go Riteway has also demonstrated its environmental leadership by converting 21 airport shuttle vans to propane autogas and adding electric-hybrid diesel vehicles to its school bus fleet as well as hybrid vehicles to its limousine offerings. With eleven locations in Wisconsin, Go Riteway also incorporates “green” into its office and maintenance facilities using energy-efficient lighting along with high-efficiency HVAC and plumbing systems.

“Go Riteway’s forward thinking serves as a great example to other companies in our industry,” said Peter Pantuso, president and CEO of ABA. “Their efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality support our industry’s green leadership. After all, motorcoach transportation is by far the most advantageous to the environment over all other modes of transport including trains and planes. The more we can do to further our environmental sustainability, the better we are at assuring a cleaner air future.”

The anti-terrorism training was conducted by Osen-Hunter Group, a global, private security company specializing in security solutions for corporate and individual clients. Osen-Hunter customized a program to specifically suit GO Riteway’s needs. The course presented to the GO Riteway staff consisted of both lecture and hands-on role playing.

Ronald Bast, president of GO Riteway commented, “By training our employees to know more about terrorism and how they can prevent it, we can help insure the safety of our passengers, roadways and cities”. Anti-terrorism training is one of several measures GO Riteway has implemented toward their commitment to safety.

GO Riteway has already converted 21 airport shuttle vans (40 percent) to propane autogas, which is considered to be the leading alternative fuel in the U.S., and the world.

“For a number of years, GO Riteway has been in tune with environmental concerns, especially those concerning the transportation industry,” says Ronald Bast, president and owner of GO Riteway Transportation Group. “We have implemented policies and procedures designed to reduce nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and greenhouse gas emissions. Converting our airport shuttle fleet to run on propane autogas is the most recent step in our environmental sustainability efforts.”

“Airport authorities across the country are looking for cleaner, lower cost solutions for equipment operating on and around airport property,” says Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech, the designer and manufacturer of the propane autogas fuel system used in the conversions. “We applaud the efforts of GO Riteway to take a leadership role in Wisconsin, and to assist in helping General Mitchell Airport to achieve their sustainability goals.”

In addition to cleaner and more efficient energy, GO Riteway is hoping for a reduction in fuel costs. There are 48 public refueling stations in Wisconsin, however having an on-site, company-owned fueling station provides an even lower cost per gallon in fuel. GO Riteway received a Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program (WCTP*) grant, which is administered jointly by the Wisconsin State Energy Office and Wisconsin Clean Cities-Southeast Area Inc., in support of GO Riteway’s efforts to reduce petroleum consumption through the use of alternative fuels.

“GO Riteway has positioned themselves as a leader in the alternative fuels arena in the State of Wisconsin,” says Lorrie Lisek, executive director of Wisconsin Clean Cities-Southeast Area Inc. “Their forward thinking serves as an example for other companies. The partnership with GO Riteway has resulted in efforts not only to reduce our Nation’s dependence on petroleum, but to additionally improve air quality and develop regional economic opportunities.”

More than 90 percent of the propane used in the U.S. is produced domestically. According to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), propane autogas reduces greenhouse emissions by 24 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by 20 percent and carbon monoxide emissions by 60 percent compared to gasoline-powered engines. It cuts the emissions of toxins and carcinogens like benzene and toluene up to 96 percent compared to gasoline, and it is not harmful to soils or water. According to PERC, ROUSH CleanTech’s propane autogas fuel systems offer the same horsepower, torque, driving range and towing ratings as their gasoline-powered equivalents.

In addition to the propane autogas fleet, GO Riteway has incorporated “greening” into its new 32,000 sq. ft. office building. The location houses 165 employees who work in the airport shuttle, limousine, sedan and minicoach divisions. The new building uses energy efficient lighting with occupancy sensors, large windows to help heat and light office spaces, a high efficiency HVAC system and is equipped with new plumbing fixtures to help maximize water conservation efforts.

The open house gave guests, which included politicians, customers, and vendors, an opportunity to tour the new facility, see the fleet and learn more about the new GO Riteway brand. The name, GO Riteway, created by Pewaukee-based Platypus Advertising + Design, is designed to build on the equity that has already been attained by both GO Airport Connection and Riteway Bus Service as dependable, convenient, safe and friendly transportation services companies.

“The combining of these names builds on our heritage and still speaks to our vision,” says Bast. “GO is a literal description of what we do — we get people to where they want to go. Riteway not only alludes to our company’s origins, it says our company is not just a way of being transported, it is the right way to be transported.”

GO Riteway’s origin as a premier ground transportation company began three generations ago when the Bast Family founded Riteway Bus Service Inc. Over the next 50 years, it continued to expand and provide the best, most dependable and safest transportation for business travelers, tourists, students and local residents. It currently employs 880 people and operates out of nine locations in Wisconsin. Its fleet includes school buses, motor coaches, shuttle coaches, limo coaches, limousines, executive sedans and vans.

The WPCA is a coalition of about 300 businesses, community organizations, schools and government agencies committed to improving air quality through voluntary action. WPCA educates Wisconsin businesses and residents on air quality issues and works to effect behavior to improve air quality and reduce harmful air emissions as required by Wisconsin’s state implementation plan under the federal Clean Air Act.

The Bast family maintains a strong belief that having a sustainable business is important for the environment and the future. Eco-friendly policies and procedures are in place to address emission reduction and fuel conservation and Riteway operates vehicles that meet the new EPA guidelines. Other “green” initiatives by Riteway include a recycling program, digital imaging, energy efficient lighting and video conferencing for all locations. Ronald Bast commented, “We’re very pleased to have received the recognition award from Wisconsin Partners for Clean Air and support their vision and commitment to cleaner air for Wisconsin and the future.”

The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) announced Riteway Bus Service, Inc as the 2010 winner of the nationally recognized Green Highway Award.

UMA created the Green Highway Award to promote the motorcoach and its application as a viable solution to the reduction of carbon emissions and to encourage industry leadership with a positive impact on our environment. The award is presented to the motorcoach operator who demonstrates the greatest commitment to “green stewardship” in the areas of internal corporate initiative, external corporate stewardship or community and industry wide green leadership.

Riteway’s efforts toward becoming more “green” by the development and implementation of their Environmental Sustainability Program and eco-friendly practices have earned them the 2010 Green Highway Award.

Ideas: plant a tree, recycle, use solar power and take steps to reduce your carbon footprint.

• Ride a motorcoach; they’re greener than you think. A single motorcoach can remove up to 56 passenger cars from crowded highways.
• Our motorcoaches deliver more than 148 passenger miles per gallon of fuel, and yield more people moving efficiency per BTU than any other mode of transportation.
• Motorcoaches use 946 BTUs per passenger mile, compared to 3,890 for planes and 2,134 for trains.

Riteway shares the vision of the Motorcoach Council. As a founding partner, Riteway Bus Service has become personally involved in the future direction of the Council. By committee participation, and the sharing of information with colleagues and associations Riteway is assisting the Motorcoach Council in their efforts.

Motorcoach travel is safe, convenient, economical and environmentally responsible. The motorcoach industry serves everyone: daily commuters; shuttles to and from airports; student field trips, band trips and sport outings; and recreational travelers. Yet there is still a negative stereotype of the motorcoach industry that can be overcome. This is what the Motorcoach Council and Riteway Bus Service strive for.