Participants of the recent UMA Bus and Motorcoach Industry Fly-In are shown by the U.S. Capitol. (Photo courtesy of UMA)
The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) held in early April their annual Bus and Motorcoach Industry Fly-In, “with all participants concluding the effort was a tremendous success,” according to a press release.
“Hundreds of appointments were conducted with federal legislators, representing nearly every corner in the U.S.,” UMA President and CEO Scott Michael said. “It was an opportune time to be visiting Congress considering early work on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization has begun.”
The group sought support for H.R. 2526 – The Bus Parity and Clarity Act, as well as preservation of the current charter service rule, and a tariff exclusion process.
“Representatives Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) introduced the Bus Parity and Clarity Act to clarify what Congress intended nearly a decade ago — that motorcoaches are to receive the same treatment as public transits on certain highways across the country,” according to the release. “If public transits pay no toll or a reduced toll, motorcoaches are to receive the same consideration. When passed, the bill would require toll authorities to report their current arrangements with public transits to the Federal Highway Administration who would subsequently post the tolls on the Administration’s website so motorcoach companies can know if they are being charged the correct amounts or being overcharged.”
“Motorcoach companies are likely spending thousands of dollars in tolls they are not required to pay,” Ken Presley, UMA vice president of legislative, regulatory, and industry affairs/COO, said. “This bill clarifies congressional intent and instructs the Federal Highway Administration and toll authorities how to implement the policy.”
The release added: “The UMA group also spoke to their federal legislators regarding the charter service rule and why preservation of the existing rule is important to the survival of the motorcoach industry. Tariffs were also on everyone’s mind during the fly-in considering the group’s appointments were held on ‘Liberation Day,’ just as President Trump announced the Administration’s new tariff policy. Currently, there is no formal process to apply for an exclusion from tariffs for industries adversely affected by the Administration’s policy. The group advocated for a formal process to seek exclusion for the industry.”
“Now the hard work begins as we work to accomplish the goals laid out during the fly-in,” Michael said. “On behalf of the industry, many thanks to all the participants for taking time out of their busy schedules to advance the goals of the industry.”
According to the release, “The United Motorcoach Association is the nation’s largest organization exclusively protecting and promoting the interests and welfare of privately-owned bus and motorcoach companies. Members include motorcoach companies and industry suppliers.”
For more information about UMA, upcoming events, membership, and important legislative information, visit www.uma.org.
