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Carefree Bus Tours contemplates 40, adds an MCI D4505 SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Sept. 29, 2008 - After racing cars and seeing promise in group transportation, Paul Lenoir founded Carefree Bus Tours in 1969 with one school bus, followed by an MCI motor coach. Lenoir said he called the company Carefree because “it described me and my lifestyle.” Nearly 40 years later, the name still reflects the founder’s cheerful attitude, the passenger experience and the dependability of the company’s motor coaches–all MCIs. “The MCI coaches are the best in world,” said Lenoir, who has tried out competitor models. “I wouldn’t have anything else. MCI did a smart thing with the curved entryway on the J4500. The model appeals to our passengers. They like the sleek design. MCI made the front on the D coach beautiful-looking, too.” Operating a fleet of 15 MCI coaches, including seven J4500s, Carefree recently added a clean-diesel D4505 after a demo trial. “It’s a workhorse. We’ve been getting good mileage and like that we can promote a greener coach.” said Lenoir. Carefree’s new coach is equipped with a Detroit Diesel engine, an Allison Transmission, a state-of-the-art entertainment system with six flat-screen video monitors and Amaya seats. Carefree, based in Clifton, N.J., operates two daily schedule-service routes into Manhattan during the week and scheduled service to Atlantic City, along with tour and charter services to destinations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Carefree also provides minibus transportation for special-education programs in the area. Safety and passenger care take priority. A volunteer medic, Lenoir installed defibrillators on several coaches, and two-thirds of his drivers are trained in CPR. “A defibrillator is 80 percent effective in saving a life,” said Lenoir, who has won an award from the American Heart Association. “The defibrillators bring peace of mind. You’ve got to be prepared.” Carefree’s management team includes Lenoir’s wife, Marge; oldest son and maintenance supervisor Paul Jr.; and youngest son Matt, responsible for the office and dispatch along with assistant Chantel. Carefree employs 31drivers, and there is a long list of driver applicants. “We have a reputation for treating our drivers well. Some have been with us for more than 25 years,” said Lenoir. Carefree operates a full-service maintenance shop that’s qualified for inspection work. The company is a member of the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association. Lenoir’s interest in car racing hasn’t waned in 40 years, either. Carefree sponsors a modified stockcar and driver Billy (name). Underscoring the “Care” part of its name, the company also has charitable instincts. Lenoir likes to regularly surprise groups with donations, as evidenced by his latest gift to a local community group--56 tickets and motor coach transportation to a Radio City holiday performance.
Carefree Bus Tours contemplates 40,
adds an MCI D4505
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Sept. 29, 2008 - After racing cars and seeing promise in group transportation, Paul Lenoir founded Carefree Bus Tours in 1969 with one school bus, followed by an MCI motor coach. Lenoir said he called the company Carefree because “it described me and my lifestyle.” Nearly 40 years later, the name still reflects the founder’s cheerful attitude, the passenger experience and the dependability of the company’s motor coaches–all MCIs.
“The MCI coaches are the best in world,” said Lenoir, who has tried out competitor models. “I wouldn’t have anything else. MCI did a smart thing with the curved entryway on the J4500. The model appeals to our passengers. They like the sleek design. MCI made the front on the D coach beautiful-looking, too.”
Operating a fleet of 15 MCI coaches, including seven J4500s, Carefree recently added a clean-diesel D4505 after a demo trial. “It’s a workhorse. We’ve been getting good mileage and like that we can promote a greener coach.” said Lenoir. Carefree’s new coach is equipped with a Detroit Diesel engine, an Allison Transmission, a state-of-the-art entertainment system with six flat-screen video monitors and Amaya seats.
Carefree, based in Clifton, N.J., operates two daily schedule-service routes into Manhattan during the week and scheduled service to Atlantic City, along with tour and charter services to destinations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Carefree also provides minibus transportation for special-education programs in the area.
Safety and passenger care take priority. A volunteer medic, Lenoir installed defibrillators on several coaches, and two-thirds of his drivers are trained in CPR. “A defibrillator is 80 percent effective in saving a life,” said Lenoir, who has won an award from the American Heart Association. “The defibrillators bring peace of mind. You’ve got to be prepared.”
Carefree’s management team includes Lenoir’s wife, Marge; oldest son and maintenance supervisor Paul Jr.; and youngest son Matt, responsible for the office and dispatch along with assistant Chantel. Carefree employs 31drivers, and there is a long list of driver applicants. “We have a reputation for treating our drivers well. Some have been with us for more than 25 years,” said Lenoir. Carefree operates a full-service maintenance shop that’s qualified for inspection work. The company is a member of the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association.
Lenoir’s interest in car racing hasn’t waned in 40 years, either. Carefree sponsors a modified stockcar and driver Billy (name). Underscoring the “Care” part of its name, the company also has charitable instincts. Lenoir likes to regularly surprise groups with donations, as evidenced by his latest gift to a local community group--56 tickets and motor coach transportation to a Radio City holiday performance.
