Van Pool Transportation WQMA652 29790 kHz 29.790 MHz 2105 UTC 12 Jun 17

[R4002]

After noticing considerable activity in both the SSB and FM portions of the 10 meter phone bands, I decided to check out the land mobile frequencies in the 29.71 to 29.79 MHz region (considered part of VHF low band in the FCC's eyes). 

After sitting on 29790 for a few minutes, knowing that my best bets are 29770 and 29790, I heard a dispatcher talking to a mobile, mentioning that a pickup has been canceled and then the dispatcher wished the driver a good evening, the driver keyed back up to return this greeting.  Heard callsign WQMA652 at 2107 UTC, which is a positive ID for Van Pool Transportation, LLC, out of Worchester County and Bristol County, Massachusetts.  FB2 station class (mobile relay - repeater) per FCC license 110 watt transmitter power with 220 watt ERP power rating for all 29 MHz, 30 MHz and 31 MHz band repeaters under that callsign / license.

[Rob.]

That is a bus company and they have repeaters on the tallest hill in the area in Worcester County in Mass. Lots of activity in the mornings and early afternoons during school start and end times.

Σ

[R4002]

Awesome.  Their repeaters are apparently licensed for an effective radiated power of 220 watts.  Knowing now that they're also located on top of hills makes more sense.  Their local area range has got to be really really good.