As The Wheels Turn

UMA 2012

2012-02-14T09:32:00.000-06:00

Driver Profile - Mike Maertens

2012-01-27T14:36:00.002-06:00

Mike Maertens has been driving for Northfield Lines for 5 years. He has been married for 46 years to his wife Carolyn and has two daughters, Laurie and Shari. Mike has five grandchildren, Scott, Kate, Eric, Drew and Abbie who he loves spending time with.

Before becoming a Motorcoach Operator, Mike was a machinist and material control manager for 33 years at MGS Machine in Maple Grove. At MGS Machine, he designed and built custom packaging machines. For the past 11 years, Mike and his wife Carolyn operate Treats of Lonsdale Dairy Freeze every March through September.

Mike enjoys all of his trips. "I like the constantly changing groups and meeting people from all over the world." he said.

When he isn't driving or working at Treats of Lonsdale, Mike enjoys fishing, deer hunting, four-wheeling with his grandchildren and riding motorcycle.

Weekend Getaway with the Lady Riders of Faribault Harley Davidson

2012-01-12T14:14:00.004-06:00

Are you looking for a fun, stress-free mini-vacation? Look no further! Northfield Lines and the Lady Riders of Faribault Harley Davidson have teamed up and created a Winter Weekend Getaway!

Saturday & Sunday, January 21 & 22nd, 2012

Tour cost includes roundtrip motor coach transportation, hotel accommodations, Reserved seating for the Johnny Holm Band at the Medina Entertainment Center, Wine tasting, chocolate sampling, outdoor activities, 3 meals and lots of fun!

Couples welcome. Space is limited.

Cost is $199.00 per person based on double occupancy.

Contact Margaret or Lisa at Northfield Lines - 507-645-5267 or 800-944-2190.

Meet The Driver - Angela Ubl

2012-01-05T10:04:00.002-06:00

Angela Ubl has been a professional driver for approximately 3 years. She is married and has three children, one son and two daughters.

Before becoming a professional driver, Angela was a Realtor.

As for a favorite trip, Angela said "I have a hard time naming one trip as my favorite, because what I enjoy so much about my job, is the diversity it provides. I'm always going different places and meeting new people. Each trip is a unique experience because of that. So as far a a favorite trip, I enjoy the ones when I get to know the group and can help them have a great trip."

In her spare time, Angela enjoys drawing, reading, walking, hiking, biking, boating, camping, gardening and cross country skiing.

Meet The Drivers - Barney Morcilio

2011-12-08T16:28:00.002-06:00

Barney Morcilio has been driving for Northfield Lines for 10 years. Barney and his wife Patsy live in Savage, MN. They have two daughters, and two grandchildren, who are now the love of their lives.

Prior to becoming a motor coach operator, Barney was a member of the Minneapolis Police Department for 26 years. He worked in several units including Internal Affairs, Robbery/Homicide and the Gang Unit. While working as a police officer, Barney also managed to squeeze in a career as a swimming coach. Over the last 30 years, he as the assistant coach at Burnsville Swim Club and the head coach at both Richfield and Maple Grove Swim Clubs.

So far, Barney has enjoyed the majority of his trips and finds it difficult to pick one favorite out of the many he has done.

Barney spends his spare time fulfilling his wife's "Honey Do List" as well as supporting the Minnesota sports teams, particularly the Vikings.

Thank You.

2011-12-05T14:52:00.002-06:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your kind thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement over the past 7 months.

Larry will be missed greatly by so many. I will miss his sense of humor, contagious smile and his creative sense of business but most of all, I will miss him as my brother and closest friend.

Thank you again and God Bless.

John

John C. Benjamin - President
Northfield Lines, Inc./Benjamin Bus, Inc.
32611 Northfield Blvd.
Northfield, MN 55057

www.northfieldlines.com

Tips for safe travel in bad weather

2011-11-15T16:07:00.005-06:00

When traveling during the winter months, please remember the following tips:

Buses move only as quickly as traffic allows. If the weather is poor due to snow and/or ice, consider taking an earlier bus if one is available to ensure that you arrive at your destination on time.
If your bus is late, remember your driver is doing his or her best to make sure you arrive at your destination despite bad road conditions or heavy traffic.
Buses may slide on snow as they approach the curb. Stay back on the sidewalk until the bus comes to a complete stop.
Be visible. On dark winter mornings, it's especially important that you make yourself visible to an approaching bus. Wear light-colored clothing.
Bus steps become slippery from snow. Use the handrails and take your time.
Dress warmly. Put on an extra layer - even a short wait at your stop can be dangerous if you're not dressed for the weather.

Meet The Drivers - Al Bender

2011-10-27T15:15:00.002-05:00

Al Bender has been driving for Northfield Lines for 3+ years. Al and his wife Becki have two daughters, and three God children, one boy and twin girls.

Prior to becoming a motor coach operator, Al was a welder and mechanic at a body shop in Rice Lake, WI.

So far, Al's favorite trip has been to New Orleans and Florida with a church choir. In Al's spare time, he enjoys camping, walking, exploring new place, and spending time with his God children.

Meet Driver Darvin Wicks

2011-09-27T12:07:00.003-05:00

Darvin Wicks has been a driver for Northfield Lines for almost 5 Years. He is married, has three sons and four grandchildren, three boys and one girl. In his spare time, he enjoys camping in his motor home. Before his career as a professional driver, Darvin owned a restaurant for 10 years. So far, his favorite trip has been the Southern Civil Rights tour with a charter school.

Autumn Tour Ideas

2011-09-14T11:18:00.004-05:00

Minnesota boasts over 115 apple orchards and 150 pumpkin patches statewide!!

If apples and pumpkins don’t do it for you, there is always the option of exploring the area’s wineries or taking a tour of the fall colors. The best part is, you don’t have to worry about who is going to drive – leave that to us!

Call our office, tell us what you would like to do and we can help plan your group’s day trip! With so many options, you and your group are sure to have a fantastic autumn experience!

Meet Driver Charles Hooton

2011-09-07T14:02:00.002-05:00

Charles Hooton has been driving for Northfield Lines for 14 years. He is married and has three sons and four grandchildren, two boys and two girls. Charles enjoys playing guitar and converting a coach bus into a motor home when he isn't working. He regularly drives the Northfield Metro EXPRESS daily scheduled commuter route, but drives over-the-road trips as well. One of his favorite trips so far has been a Canadian Rockies Tour. Before becoming a professional driver, Charles was an auto mechanic and an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God where he has been the pastor at four churches for over 32 years. In 2010, Charles was the Haines Cook Memorial Employee of the Year Award recipient.

Happy Birthday Metro EXPRESS!

2011-08-31T09:01:00.005-05:00

We are excited to celebrate our 2nd year in service! During the last two years, our routes have changed to accommodate the needs of our passengers. We have added stops at the Mall of America and Minneapolis and increased service to MSP International Airport.

Last fall we designated a Mercedes Benz 14 passenger Sprinter as the official Northfield Metro EXPRESS bus. The Sprinter was wrapped in the Northfield Lines signature "nl swoosh" and labeled with the Northfield Metro EXPRESS information. The minibus has leather seats, ample leg room and a rear luggage compartment. Passengers can also enjoy free Wi-Fi internet service on the coach.

Our ridership began with a few people willing to give us a try. Over the last two years, that number has doubled! Our commuter list continues to grow and single ticket purchases are up from one year ago.

The past two years of service have taught us a lot about our community and area. When we began the service, it was thought that people would use it mostly to go the airport and commuters to Twin Cities, however there are so many other ways people utilize the bus. Recently we have had passengers riding the bus to our U of MN stop to catch the MN State Fair shuttles. It has also been a great tool for our senior community, giving them freedom to travel again without the headaches of driving themselves or finding someone to drive them. College students use the bus to go back and forth from home to school and shoppers love the additional stop times at the Mall of America.

As we begin our third year of service, we would like to thank the community for their support and ridership.

Watch for us at the Defeat of Jesse James Days Grand Parade on September 11 and check out our extended schedule for the celebration! Late night shuttles on Friday and Saturday (Sept. 9 & 10) have been added!

The Great Minnesota Get Together!

2011-08-29T09:32:00.002-05:00

Notice anything familiar at the Park and Rides going to and from the MN State Fair? Yep, that's right, Northfield Lines motorcoaches are all over the place, helping shuttle people to all things wonderful on a stick!

Do you need a ride to the MN State Fair? Ride the Northfield Metro EXPRESS to our U of MN-Dinkytown stop. From there you will have a short (4 block) walk to the Ridder Arena where you can catch a FREE shuttle to the fair!

View Larger Map

Weekend Warriors

2011-07-29T16:14:00.000-05:00

It's the dog days of summer. Many people are struggling to fit it all in. All the fun, all the family trips, all the plans - WE ONLY HAVE 5 WEEKENDS LEFT BEFORE LABOR DAY AND THEN SCHOOL STARTS!

We understand that it's a crazy time of year, we get that you have places to go. We do too! Our job, and our main concern is safety. The safety of our passengers and the safety of the other motorists we are sharing the roadways with.

How can we make each and every precious weekend and good experience and safe?

Let's agree to follow the laws. Travel at the speed limit. Use the "zipper method" when entering the interstates via on-ramps. Check your blind spots when changing lanes. Keep your eyes open and ON THE ROAD.....that means put your cell phones down, and please stop texting!!

Our mission, as a motorcoach and school bus transportation company, is to get our passengers to and from their destinations safely. Make this your mission too!

Together, we can make our travel, safe and worry-free!

Need a New Job?

2011-06-14T16:01:00.001-05:00

Hours of Service Policy.

2011-05-31T11:04:00.000-05:00

NORTHFIELD LINES, INC. HOURS OF SERVICE OF DRIVERS POLICY

In accordance with the Minnesota and Federal Department of Transportation regulations, Northfield Lines motor and mini coach drivers are not permitted to drive over 10 hours or be on duty for over 15 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty.

In the case of adverse weather conditions* for which a driver cannot, because of the said conditions, safely complete the run within the maximum drive time permitted, he/she may drive for an additional 2 hours in order to complete the run or to reach a place offering safety for the occupants of the vehicle.

If the driver is forced to lay over due to adverse weather conditions, the group may decide to lay over as well, or Northfield Lines will provide an alternate driver for the group.

We can take you out to the ball game!

2011-05-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

Does your group need transportation to Target Field? When it comes to charting a motorcoach, Northfield Lines knocks the cover off the competition! Our fleet of motor and mini coaches can accommodate groups of any size!

Our drivers and staff are seasoned pros and really go to bat for our customers! Let Northfield Lines step up to the plate and give your group an experience that’s a home run!

Seat Belts on School Buses

2011-05-13T13:48:00.000-05:00

From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Seat Belts on School Buses -- May 2006

Introduction

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) establishes Federal motor vehicle safety standards to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries from motor vehicle crashes, including crashes involving school buses. NHTSA requires all new school buses to meet safety standards in addition to those that apply to all other passenger motor vehicles. These include requirements for improved emergency exits, roof structure, seating and fuel systems, and bus body joint integrity. NHTSA also works with each State on school bus safety and occupant protection programs. School bus safety is one of our highest priorities.

The following are NHTSA’s answers to often-asked questions about seat belts on large (over 10,000 lb GVWR) school buses.

How safe are school buses compared to all other motor vehicles?

School buses are one of the safest forms of transportation in the United States. More than 42,000 people are killed in traffic crashes on U.S. roads every year. Every year, approximately 450,000 public school buses travel about 4.3 billion miles to transport 23.5 million children to and from school and school-related activities. Yet, on average, every year, six school age children (throughout the U.S.) die in school bus crashes as passengers. NHTSA strives to ensure that there are no fatalities in school buses.

We have seat belts in passenger cars. Why don’t we have them on school buses?

Seat belts have been required on passenger cars since 1968. Forty-nine States and the District of Columbia have enacted laws requiring the wearing of seat belts in passenger cars and light trucks. There is no question that seat belts play an important role in keeping occupants safe in theses vehicles, however school buses are different by design and use a different kind of safety restraint system that works extremely well.

Large school buses are heavier and distribute crash forces differently than do passenger cars and light trucks. Because of these differences, the crash forces experienced by occupants of buses are much less than that experienced by occupants of passenger cars, light trucks or vans. NHTSA decided that the best way to provide crash protection to passengers of large school buses is through a concept called “compartmentalization.” This requires that the interior of large buses provide occupant protection such that children are protected without the need to buckle-up. Through compartmentalization, occupant crash protection is provided by a protective envelope consisting of strong, closely-spaced seats that have energy-absorbing seat backs.

Small school buses (with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less) must be equipped with lap and/or lap/shoulder belts at all designated seating positions. Since the sizes and weights of small school buses are closer to those of passenger cars and trucks, seat belts in those vehicles are necessary to provide occupant protection.

School bus crash data show that compartmentalization has been effective at protecting school bus passengers. NHTSA’s 2002 Report to Congress[1] found that the addition of lap belts did not improve occupant protection for the severe frontal impacts that were studied for that report.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) have come to similar conclusions. The NTSB concluded in a 1987 study of school bus crashes that most fatalities and injuries occurred because the occupant seating positions were in direct line with the crash forces.[2 NTSB stated that seat belts would not have prevented most of the serious injuries and fatalities from occurring in school bus crashes. In 1989, the NAS completed a study of ways to improve school bus safety and concluded that the overall potential benefits of requiring seat belts on large school buses were insufficient to justify a Federal mandate for installation.[3] NAS also stated that the funds used to purchase and maintain seat belts might be better spent on other school bus safety programs and devices that could save more lives and reduce more injuries.

Northfield Metro EXPRESS F.A.Q. part 2

2011-05-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

Many people think the Northfield Metro EXPRESS is only for college students, this in fact is NOT true. The Northfield Metro EXPRESS is for everyone. We have transported the elderly as well as babies in car seats and we can give you a ride as well!

The Northfield Metro EXPRESS is a fast, convenient, affordable way to get from Northfield to the Airport and the Twin Cities. We have many different route times to meet most people’s travel needs.

The best part is that it only costs $11.00 one-way! You can purchase your tickets online or over the phone.

So, the next time you hear someone talk about needing a ride to the airport, or wanting to go to the cities, but not wanting to drive – give them our name and tell them about the Northfield Metro EXPRESS!

Where's Northfield Lines?

2011-05-05T08:54:00.000-05:00

OUR BUSES ARE ALL OVER!

This week you may see us in:

Chicago, Mankato, South Dakota, Bemidji, Albertville, Winona, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Como Zoo, Little Falls, Rochester and many, many more cities!

We are transporting many different types of groups this week, including a music school, a yoga group, 5th grade band students, an international group from Latin America, a high school band, a church group, the military, various softball, baseball and track teams, an art club, a group traveling to a tulip festival, an environmental studies class, a few different Fortune 500 companies and many more.

We have diverse clients, and a diverse fleet to match! As you can see from the list above, we can transport groups of all sizes!

If you see our buses and our drivers, give them a wave and a shout hello!

Northfield Metro EXPRESS F.A.Q. part 1

2011-05-02T11:26:00.000-05:00

Recently, I have been getting a lot of phone calls regarding our daily route service. Many people have the same questions: Can anyone ride the bus or is it just for students?

I am happy to say that ANYONE who purchases a ticket is welcome aboard the Northfield Metro EXPRESS.

The second most asked question I get is: Where does the bus stop?

The Metro EXPRESS has many stops including: St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges, Downtown Northfield, The Mall of America, MSP International Airport, Downtown Minneapolis, St. Thomas and St. Kate’s Universities and the U of MN.

The third most asked question is: How much does it cost?

This one gets them every time! It’s only costs $11.00 per one-way trip!

Next time you hear someone talk about needing a ride to the airport, or wanting to go to the cities, but not wanting to drive – tell them about the Northfield Metro EXPRESS!

Visit our website at www.northfieldlines.com

Northfield Lines can get you to the church on time and in style!

2011-04-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

Your wedding day transportation is more than just a way to get from the church to the reception; it's an opportunity to make a statement. When deciding on your transportation provider, look for a company that matches -- and even enhances -- your wedding day style.

Northfield Lines is committed to ensuring that your transportation experience is positive, after all your special day deserves a special touch.

We specialize in:
• Airport Pick-up/Drop-off
• Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
• Bridal Party Transportation
• Guest Shuttling

You and your wedding party will arrive and depart in style aboard one of our luxury motor or minicoaches. Our fleet includes 47 to 56 passenger deluxe motorcoaches. All are equipped with lavish amenities including Wi-Fi wireless internet, DVD players, deluxe seating, restrooms, PA system with wireless microphone, and individual lighting and climate controls. In addition to our large motorcoaches, we own and operate several 29 and 31 passenger minicoaches with separate luggage compartments, DVD player and PA system; 20 and 24 passenger coaches with forward facing seats and an 18 passenger mini with perimeter seating.

Our drivers are professional, uniformed and held to the highest standards. They have extensive, on-going safety training. Rest assured that we only put the best drivers behind the wheel!

We feel that being good stewards to our Earth is our responsibility, and we are proud of our efforts to help. Our motorcoaches and minicoaches are one of the “greenest” ways to travel. All our buses use Biodiesel, which provides lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel.

Call us today and we can begin discussing your wedding day transportation needs. Relax and leave the driving to us.

Where in the US is Northfield Lines this week?

2011-04-21T08:56:00.000-05:00

WOW! What a week! Look for our motorcoaches all over the United States!

This week you may see us in: Chicago, New Orleans, New Prague, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Rockford and everywhere in between!

We have the privilege of transporting many different groups this week. Some of them are visiting different colleges, another is in an art competition, and another is playing in a music festival. We also have groups going to the Twins games, some seeing plays in Minneapolis and others playing college sports at various locations around Minnesota.

It's amazing just how many different types of groups our coaches transport!

Where does your group need to go?

Employee Shuttles

2011-04-19T15:52:00.000-05:00

Our 15 passenger Sprinter Bus

Northfield Lines understands the need for convenience and punctuality at work. Our employee shuttle system is specifically designed for your workplace travel, whether it’s a one-time trip around the office campus or a daily route from one building to the next.

Our dependable staff of drivers and will take your employees safely, comfortably, and on time anywhere they wish to go.

The transportation experts at Northfield Lines can design a shuttle system specifically for the needs of your corporation, university, conference center, or medical facility. Our diverse fleet includes large and small vehicles to meet the needs of any size group.

We specialize in:

Employee parking lot shuttles
Business travel
Airport transfers
Convention shuttles
Company outings

Across the parking lot, or across the nation, Northfield Lines is the DRIVE behind worry-free travel.

The Green Choice

2011-01-25T10:41:00.001-06:00

Ride a Motorcoach -- The Greenest Approach

Motorcoaches currently provide 206.6 passenger miles per gallon (MPG), more than double the second most fuel-efficient sector, commuter rail at 92.4 passenger MPG.

Transit buses achieve 31.4 passenger MPG, domestic air carriers achieve 44 passenger MPG, and single passenger automobiles achieve 27.2 passenger MPG. Each motorcoach has the potential of removing 55 autos from the highway. That's millions of cars not driven, saving fuel, cutting emissions and reducing congestion.

Click here to read a report from The Union of Concerned Scientists, which finds that travel by motorcoach is the greenest way to go.

SOURCE: AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION

Big Buses Rank As Most Popular Intercity Travel Option

2011-01-14T12:04:00.000-06:00

KEEPING IT SIMPLE: New study shows motorcoaches are faster, cheaper, safer and more sensible than planes, trains, and automobiles.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — New statistics included in a just-released study update show that the popularity of intercity bus travel keeps surging, according to the DePaul University Chaddick School for Metropolitan Development report released last month, “The Intercity Bus: America’s Fastest Growing Transportation Mode — 2010 Update on Scheduled Bus Service.”

“For the third year in a row, the intercity bus service was the fastest growing mode of intercity transportation, outpacing air and rail transportation,” the study reports. “Intercity bus operations expanded by 6% in 2010, suggesting that the sector’s renaissance is continuing.”

“This new study from the respected academics at DePaul University confirms that the travel mode shift toward buses is continuing, and it’s easy to see why consumers are fast becoming loyal bus riders,” said American Bus Association President & CEO Peter Pantuso. “Buses beat planes, trains and automobiles in affordability, flexibility, and mobility. Buses are the safest greenest, most affordable, most hassle-free, and more often the most luxurious way to travel.”

The study also looks at external factors affecting the changing travel landscape favoring buses. “Intercity bus service in the U.S. remained robust through 2010 as a result of rising travel demand, escalating fuel prices, and investments in new routes,” DePaul University researchers said in the new study. “These and other factors propelled motorcoach travel to its highest level in years and made the intercity bus the country’s fastest growing mode of transportation for the third year in the row.”

ABA is not surprised by the numbers, as its member companies have been reporting formally and anecdotally to the association the phenomenon captured on paper in the new study.

“With wifi, plug-ins, courteous service and city center to city center convenience, all at a fraction of the price of the other travel options, it’s no wonder why the most recent update from the independent third-party academic experts at DePaul University confirm what ABA Foundation numbers show as well,” Pantuso added.

Passengers getting out of their cars to take the bus instead have also helped America slash its total fuel consumption by 11 million gallons annually, which DePaul writes is “the equivalent benefit of removing 23,818 vehicles from the road.”

Source: AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

2010-12-13T10:44:00.000-06:00

It’s the Holidays! Only 12 shopping days until Christmas! Why not make it easier on yourself and hop on the Northfield Metro EXPRESS? We have added many stop times at the Mall of America! You can hop on board, go to the Mall or IKEA, get your shopping done, then hop back on and relax!

Check out our schedule at http://www.northfieldlines.com/photos/File185.pdf for stop times.

Motorcoaches To Play Major Role As Future People Movers

2010-12-09T16:22:00.000-06:00

December 1, 2010

ABA President Peter Pantuso underscores how motorcoaches remain the greenest and most affordable group transportation option.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION recently was part of a broad group of transportation stakeholders including environmental and energy security groups that unveiled a new study of the 19-member MOBILITY CHOICE COALITION, which cites the role of private-sector buses in reducing oil dependency and government waste through increasing competition among transportation modes and tying transportation spending to energy and economic performance.

The analysis, “Taking the Wheel: Achieving a Competitive Transportation Sector Through Mobility Choice,” details the benefits of 10 specific policy options that would level the playing field among transportation options. The report’s recommendations aim to reduce the ability of an oil price spike to disrupt our economy, decrease wasteful government spending, and provide economical and convenient transportation options to the public, according to the group.

The Mobility Choice Coalition, which includes ABA as well as the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, the Natural Resources Defense Council and 15 other organizations, analyzed the specific effect on oil demand from Bus Rapid Transit, transit competition, improved transportation technology, vouchers and other policies. The group also recommended implementation strategies to maximize oil savings.

“In order to expand competition and increase the likelihood of transit demand being met with economic options, policies could be designed so that vouchers can be redeemed with both existing transit agencies and entrepreneurs running private sector buses, shuttles, vanpools, and jitney buses,” the 24-page report states on page 14.

“As long as the playing field is level, modern buses can save energy and compete with any mode of transportation as a cost-effective and efficient alternative,” ABA President & CEO Peter J. Pantuso said. “Motorcoaches are the greenest choice, achieving 206 passenger miles per gallon.”

The American Bus Association is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry with more than 1000 motorcoach owner and tour company members in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations and contract services. Another 2,800 members are travel and tourism organizations and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry.

Source: American Bus Association

Fall Tours

2010-10-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

There is a chill in the air. The leaves are starting to turn colors, and it’s the perfect time for you to get a group together, rent a minibus and head to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch for the day. If apples and pumpkins don’t do it for you, there is always the option of exploring the area’s wineries or take a tour of the fall colors. The best part is, you don’t have to worry about who is going to drive – leave that to us!

Call our office, tell us what you would like to do and we can help plan your group’s day trip! With so many options, you and your group are sure to have a fantastic fall experience!

Biodiesel Will Surpass CNG - Driving Green - Limousine, Charter & Tour

2010-09-21T11:45:00.000-05:00

Biodiesel Will Surpass CNG - Driving Green - Limousine, Charter & Tour

Who needs a ride?

2010-09-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

Are you a college student attending the U of MN, St. Thomas or St. Kates? Did you you know that the Northfield Metro EXPRESS makes multiple daily stops at your campus?

The EXPRESS bus can be an easy way to get you from campus back to Northfield, without bugging your parents or friends for a ride! For only $10.00 one-way, you can hop aboard our brand new Mercedes Sprinter and enjoy a comfortable ride home - and back to campus!

Our schedules and tickets are all available online at www.northfieldlines.com.

We can Take You Out To the Ballgame!

2010-09-10T10:57:00.001-05:00

Our drivers and staff are seasoned pros and really go to bat for our customers! Let Northfield Lines step up to the plate and give your group an experience that’s a home run!

The New Northfield Metro EXPRESS bus!

2010-08-13T16:29:00.001-05:00

Check our our new ride! The Northfield Metro EXPRESS got a makeover this summer! Our new 15 passenger Sprinter mini bus features leather seats, Wi-Fi wireless Internet and a rear luggage compartment.

Beginning early September the mini coach will be in service Monday through Friday, and a large 47 to 57 passenger motorcoach will be used on the weekends and as needed during the week, to accommodate higher ridership.

Northfield Lines can get you to the church on time and in style!

2010-05-20T09:32:00.001-05:00

Your wedding day transportation is more than just a way to get from the church to the reception; it's an opportunity to make a statement. When deciding on your transportation provider, look for a company that matches -- and even enhances -- your wedding day style.

Northfield Lines is committed to ensuring that your transportation experience is positive, after all your special day deserves a special touch.

We specialize in:

• Airport Pick-up/Drop-off
• Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
• Bridal Party Transportation
• Guest Shuttling

You and your wedding party will arrive and depart in style aboard one of our luxury motor or minicoaches. Our fleet includes 47 to 56 passenger deluxe motorcoaches. All are equipped with lavish amenities including Wi-Fi wireless internet, DVD players, deluxe seating, restrooms, PA system with wireless microphone, and individual lighting and climate controls. In addition to our large motorcoaches, we own and operate several 29 and 31 passenger minicoaches with separate luggage compartments, DVD player and PA system; 20 and 24 passenger coaches with forward facing seats and an 18 passenger mini with perimeter seating.

Our drivers are professional, uniformed and held to the highest standards. They have extensive, on-going safety training. Rest assured that we only put the best drivers behind the wheel! We feel that being good stewards to our Earth is our responsibility, and we are proud of our efforts to help. Our motorcoaches and minicoaches are one of the “greenest” ways to travel. All our buses use Biodiesel, which provides lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel.

Call us today and we can begin discussing your wedding day transportation needs. Relax and leave the driving to us.

Celebrate a Birthday in Style – Hop on a Motorcoach!

2010-05-18T09:42:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a way to make a friend or relative’s birthday memorable? Invite all their friends, and hop aboard a motorcoach and discover how fun a group trip can be!

Long weekends can be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to deciding how long and how far to travel with a group. Travelling a distance of 3 to 4 hours away, with a pit stop at a fun attraction can be just far enough to get away from the daily grind and rejuvenate the soul.

Does your friend or relative ever mention a place that they have “always wanted to go?” Do they like spas, beaches, racing, fishing or shopping? Have they always wanted to go to a certain summertime festival or art fair? Try some of these suggestions:

· Visit Duluth, Minnesota. As breathtaking in winter white as it is in summer green. Come at a different time of year, and you’ll find an entirely new place to explore. The quiet of our forests and the splendor of the Lake Superior shoreline mesh into a getaway experience that will both relax and rejuvenate you, any time of year.

· Visit Lanesboro, Minnesota. Relax in a quiet place with no stoplights or franchises. Lanesboro is the premier Arts and Culture Destination of the Midwest nestled in the Bluffs of the Root River Valley.

· Go out to the ball game in the new Twins Stadium! Cheer on Minnesota’s boys of summer in their new home, Target Field. After the game, go out to eat at one of Minneapolis’ fine restaurants or pubs.

Keeping the personalities of all that are attending the birthday bash is a good thing to keep in mind when planning a group trip. The actual celebration should revolve around the birthday boy/girl. It could be a simple dinner, a small party at the hotel, or drinks and hors d'oeuvres at a pub. Where ever you go, our professional drivers and luxury motorcoaches can get you there safely, on-time and worry-free.

The Golden Rule...Don't Buy on Price Alone!

2010-05-12T11:03:00.001-05:00

Price must not be your reason for selecting an operator. While the price of the trip is important, it must not be the most important criteria for selecting a carrier.High prices don't automatically infer a safe carrier, nor do low prices automatically signal an unsafe carrier, but good safety practices are expensive.If competitive pricing is important, student trip planners need to understand why prices differ.

COST -- There's no question that the price of transportation to and from your destination is important; it often comprises a third or more of the total travel budget, almost without regard to the mode of travel used: coach, air, rail or auto. Comparative cost is often the reason why travel groups turn to the motorcoach. Even after discarding the comfort and convenience advantages of a motorcoach, on a person-by-person basis, the coach represents a bargain. The problem is often those planners who try to stretch too far, to find "a bargain within a bargain."

Just as it is with so many consumer goods and services, individual motorcoach companies offer a wide range of quality and prices. Most often, the price difference between companies will reflect the company's use of new or older coaches, the availability of "extras" like videotape or DVD players, the cost of labor in your region of the country or the level of care and amenities offered by the company. But unlike most consumer goods or services, the price difference may also reflect a company's level of preparedness or its dedication to safe operations.

There are no "absolute" rules of motorcoach buying. There are no strong indicators that tell us that new coaches are safer than old ones; nothing to dictate that clean coaches with uniformed drivers are safer than dirty ones with drivers in tee shirts. There is no rule -- written or unwritten -- that requires a safe coach to be an expensive coach or, conversely, that requires a cheap coach to be unsafe. But there are some common sense elements involved that link cost and safety. The first and most important is the fact that safety is expensive.

Safety-conscious operators invest heavily in maintaining a safe fleet. Whether they own their own garage or they contract repair and maintenance to reputable mechanics, safe operators achieve that status by investing virtually whatever it takes to ensure that every possible mechanical problem with their coach -- new or old -- is discovered and remedied before it takes to the road again. That doesn't mean that it can pass inspection once a year or once a month; most see to it that a competent mechanic inspects and repairs every coach before every trip. And it doesn't stop there. Every driver is charged with the responsibility to conduct a walk-around inspection of the vehicle before and after every day's travel, just as a pilot conducts a rigorous pre-flight exam of his aircraft.

Is it possible for a motorcoach company to be safe if they don't invest as much in preventative maintenance and professional repair? Of course it is, at least for a while. The professional motorcoaches on the roads today are extremely durable and forgiving vehicles. It's not at all unusual to find well-cared-for coaches with 20- and 30-year life spans still serving safely and comfortably. But the odds of breakdown increase dramatically when an operator scrimps on repairs or invest in the coach's appearance rather than its mechanical soundness. Statistically, very few mechanical problems on motorcoaches ever lead to crashes, but they do cause breakdowns, delays, missed schedules and hot tempers. The fact remains, though, that some repairs can't simply be put off.

Price alone is not a reliable indicator of safety. But a price quote that's significantly lower than the remaining field of competitors can and should be a strong indicator of the need for follow-up. If the same itinerary and trip information has been distributed to many competitors (to ensure that every company is presenting a price based on identical service and conditions), a price that's substantially lower than the remaining responses may indicate that the bidding company didn't fully understand your needs. It may also, however, indicate that some aspect of the low bidder's service is significantly different than the others. That aspect could be safety.

Don't buy on price alone.

SOURCE: UMA.org

GROUPS GET THEIR KICKS.....

2010-05-11T15:02:00.000-05:00

Open publication - Free publishing

Traveling by Motorcoach is a fantastic way to see Historic Route 66! Get Your kicks with Northfield Lines!

New Schedules

2010-05-03T14:44:00.000-05:00

The new and improved Northfield Metro EXPRESS schedule has been running for approximately a month now. We have had some hiccups, but all in all, the schedule seems to be running smoothly. Ridership is increasing, due to the increase of stop times at the MSP Airport, Mall of America and U of MN.

Diesel fuel prices on rise again

2010-04-30T11:31:00.000-05:00

Diesel fuel prices made a slow, steady climb during March, ending the month more than 17 cents a gallon higher than they were in February. The price had declined by more than 12 cents a gallon during February.

The March increase brought the national average price of diesel to more than $2.92 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported. Gasoline pump prices also rose.

The gain last month left the motorcoach industry's main fuel more than 90 cents a gallon higher than it was during the same week last year, according to USDOE figures.

The main culprit causing diesel to rise appeared to be increasing oil prices, which were driven higher by speculators. Oil has climbed measurably above $80 a barrel as investors speculate that inventories are declining and demand will pick up.

The USDOE forecasts that diesel will average $2.96 a gallon this year and $3.14 in 2011. Those numbers are in line with previous forecasts.

Diesel averaged $2.46 a gallon last year.

Gasoline is expected to rise to an average $2.84 this year, up from last year's $2.35, before rising to $2.96 in 2011.

http://www.busandmotorcoachnews.com/news/article.asp?F_CATEGORY_ID=9&ARTICLE_ID=7095

Motorcoach Council elects new board - News - METRO Magazine

2010-04-12T14:41:00.000-05:00

Motorcoach Council elects new board - News - METRO Magazine

The Motorcoach Council, an industry-wide organization established to promote public awareness of the benefits of motorcoach transportation throughout North America, elected its new Board of Directors during a meeting in Denver, Colo., last week.

Directors elected to serve two-year terms are: Brian Annett, Annett Bus Lines (chairman); Jack Wigley, All Aboard America (vice chair); Ron Bast, Riteway Bus Service, Inc.; Scott Merriman, Scenic America Tours, Inc.; and James Mills, Gaylord Transportation & Tours.

Directors elected to serve one-year terms are: Gladys Gillis, Starline Transportation (secretary/treasurer) and Sandy Allen, Royal Coach Tours.

The American Bus Association's Peter Pantuso and Victor Parra of the United Motorcoach Association will continue to serve the Board as representatives of the industry's national associations, while former chairman, Todd Holland of Ramblin Express, and Steve Klika of the International Motorcoach Group (IMG) will serve as non-voting ex-officio members of the board.

In addition, Heather Horton will now serve as executive director of the Motorcoach Council and help develop and implement the new programs and policies set forth by the Board, while actively providing outreach to the industry and to the general public. Pamela Wolff, Principal of Pennsylvania-based, Connections, is retained to procure strategic partnerships and alliances that are in line with the Council's goals, objectives, strategies and tactics.

Why don't school buses have seat belts?

2010-04-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

Change for the BETTER!

2010-04-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

The New bus routes started today! What a great feeling to have FULL buses!! The times at the airport seem to be a big hit.

There have been lots of questions about the new schedule.

Why are there 2 times on each route stopping at the airport?
The first stop time at the airport is meant to be a drop-off. Riders may board the bus at that time if they choose too, however they will have to ride the rest of the bus route, which returns to the airport for a pick-up about an hour later. The second pick-up is a direct route from the airport to Northfield.

New and Improved Northfield Metro EXPRESS

2010-03-24T16:29:00.000-05:00

Our expanded schedule is ready to begin on April 5. We are excited to start offering daily service to the Mall of America. We will be stopping by the MOA at 9:53am, 3:30pm and 6:55pm Monday-Thursday. On Fridays we are adding an additional stop at MOA at 10:20pm.

We have also added additional stop times at our Downtown Minneapolis, MSP Int'l Airport, U of St. Thomas and St. Kate's!

Our new schedule is available at out web site www.northfieldlines.com or at many Northfield locations.

2010 Synchronized Skating Championships

2010-03-05T09:18:00.000-06:00

We are so excited and proud to transport many of the teams competing at the 2010 Synchronized Skating Championships in Minneapolis this week. These teams have worked so hard this year to make this competition. Good luck to all of the skaters and thank you very much for your business!

Minicoach on 201 & 202 today and tomorrow!

2010-03-04T09:48:00.001-06:00

We will be sending a minicoach on routes 201 & 202 on March 4 and 5.

Changes to the Northfield Metro EXPRESS!

2010-03-02T15:50:00.000-06:00

We are very excited to announce more stops at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America on the Northfield Metro EXPRESS! Routes are being finalized. Sign up for our newsletter andl be one of the FIRST to know the changes when they come!