IC Bus, the school- and commercial-bus division of Navistar, published in April its inaugural Spring edition of “Route” magazine to bring customers a unique company and employee perspective of student transportation.
Mark Johnson, marketing director for Navistar Global Bus, told School Transportation News that the idea originated to bring a new kind of conversation to its owners and operators of IC school buses. The publication showcases topics he said are relevant to the school-bus industry that the company’s customers, dealers and its own employees beyond the normal sales cycle. “Route” is scheduled to be published semi-annually.
“IC Route gives IC Bus a unique opportunity to speak with our customers in a way that goes beyond simply talking about our products,” he added.
In an opening column, IC Bus President John McKinney writes that the company hopes its articles helps customers get to know the company even better in addition to sharing new and interesting industry perspectives.
Features in the first edition include profiles on four of IC Bus’s most successful dealers — Hoglund Bus, Leonard Bus, Leeds Transit and Maxim Truck & Trailer — plus a tour of the IC Bus plant in Tulsa, Okla., and an “Out of the Office” look at company employee Mike Phillips, an IC Bus planner by day and skydiver by weekend who has logged more than 600 jumps.
The publication also shares with readers a converted IC school bus used by the Bronx Children’s Museum while it awaits its permanent home that is scheduled to open in 2015, a conversation with school bus driver Betty “B.J.” Simmons-Talley of Columbus (Ohio) City School District and tips on bus maintenance.
