TALES FROM THE ROAD
Spreading the Political Word: Defenders of Democracy

By Dean J. Urbano

View Project Vote Smart Bus Tour

Before heading out to the voting booth, you need credible information about the candidates. Project Vote Smart is a non-profit, non-partisan organization committed to educating the voting populace with " accurate and relevant information" about incumbents and the candidates who wish to replace them.

One of Project Vote Smart's tools is a 1998 MCI® 102DL3. Another is the contact number for MCI's Emergency Roadside Assistance team. Jeremy, a driver of the first, hoped he wouldn't have to use the second as he was driving toward Fort Collins, Colorado, one day last month.

Jeremy was about an hour from his destination when he decided to make a pit stop. That's when he discovered that while he and the Project Vote Smart were feeling refreshed, the coach was not. The engine wouldn't start. Jeremy called ERSA.

Pat O'Connell, a veteran ERSA team member, received the call and assured Jeremy that help was available in the area. "This is a popular place for coaches to venture," says O'Connell. "They travel here all the time, and that has allowed us to establish strong relationships with vendors in the area."

O’Connell contacted Bob's Towing, a frequently used vendor that also offers roadside assistance. She spoke with Bobby, who agreed to go out and attempt to repair the coach. It didn't take long to determine that the coach batteries had exceeded their lifecycle and would no longer hold a charge. In less than two hours from the initial call to ERSA, a new set of batteries was installed, and the Defenders of Democracy were back on the road.

O'Connell also provided Jeremy with several contacts in Fort Collins that could service the coach's brakes at his request. A follow up call to a very grateful driver revealed that the coach was completely repaired.

Has MCI ERSA helped you in a time of need? If you have a story about how our operators got you and your company's coaches back on the road, let us know! We may use your story in a future issue of FYI. Contact us at fyi@mcicoach.com.