TALES FROM THE ROAD
Locked Out

By Carolyn Newton

ERSA isn't just for mechanical failures. And being a Preferred ERSA Vendor is no guarantee that you're not going to be an ERSA user at some point. New MCI customer VIP Express, formerly known as Casino Express, proved just that last month when a driver for the company locked himself out of one of their new MCI coaches while out on the road.

The call came from Armando, the shop supervisor at VIP Express. Dean Urbano, ERSA coordinator, immediately went into action to locate a locksmith. "I know what it feels like to be locked out of my vehicle," says Ubano. "I can imagine what that driver must have been feeling when he realized he could not get into the coach."

Within minutes, Speedy Locksmith from Sherman, Texas, was on the scene, assisting with making a key for the coach. VIP Express is happy to be a part of the MCI family, recently changing their once all-competitor fleet to an all-MCI fleet. They have taken delivery of new J4500s and will be adding New D4500s this month to round out their fleet of coaches.

MCI is proud to have VIP Express as part of its circle of Preferred MCI ERSA Vendors. "We are the largest facility in this area," says owner Po-lun (Paul) Huang. "Our shop can provide service for all types of coaches. Our mechanics are all certified to provide the best service available."

Located at 8601 Boone Rd in Houston, the facility features a 20,000-square-foot repair shop, a parking lot that will accommodate 100 coaches and certified coach mechanics. VIP Express has also invested in its people by sending its mechanics to be factory-trained at MCI's National Training Center in Louisville, Kentucky.  "We are happy to welcome Casino Express to our family of satisfied MCI customers," said Scott Crawford, director of customer training for MCI.

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.