Fresh off one of the best-attended 2025 Bus and Motorcoach Industry Legislative Fly-In in recent memory, members of the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) are riding a wave of momentum as they shift their focus to following up with lawmakers and turning conversations into action.
“Hundreds of appointments were conducted with federal legislators, representing nearly every corner of the U.S.,” said UMA President and CEO Scott Michael. “It was an opportune time to be visiting Congress, considering early work on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization has begun.”
With more than 70 industry professionals in attendance – including motorcoach operators, vendors, and advocates – Fly-In on March 19-20 marked a milestone in both turnout and influence. From the halls of Capitol Hill to committee hearing rooms, UMA members reported a marked shift: they were no longer explaining who they were. Instead, they were building on established relationships.
“Walking the halls of Congress during this year’s UMA Fly-In, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come,” said Michelle Petelicki, UMA Board Secretary and Vice President of the Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association, and President of Panorama Tours in Wallington, New Jersey. “Just a few years ago, we were starting from square one. This time, we were welcomed as familiar faces.”
Areas of focus
During the Fly-In, UMA and its delegation focused their advocacy on three top legislative issues:
- Toll parity with public transit buses: The UMA urged lawmakers to support H.R. 2526, the Bus Parity and Clarity Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). The bill clarifies congressional intent from nearly a decade ago: that motorcoaches should receive the same tolling treatment as public transit buses on federally funded highways. If transit agencies pay no toll or a reduced toll, private motorcoaches should be treated the same way.
“The bill would require toll authorities to report their arrangements with public transit systems to the Federal Highway Administration, which would then post that information online,” explained Ken Presley, UMA Vice President of Legislative, Regulatory, and Industry Affairs/COO. “Motorcoach companies are likely spending thousands of dollars in tolls they are not required to pay. This bill promotes fairness and transparency.”
- Preservation of charter service protections: UMA advocated for maintaining the Federal Transit Administration’s Charter Service Rule, which prevents publicly funded transit agencies from unfairly competing with private bus companies for charter business. These protections help ensure a level playing field because public agencies receive federal subsidies that private operators do not.
- Tariff exemptions for motorcoaches and parts: The group also called on Congress to establish a formal tariff exclusion process. Many operators are feeling the pinch from tariffs on imported motorcoaches, steel, aluminum, and replacement parts at a time when costs are already high and vehicle availability is limited.
Tariffs were a dominant topic throughout the Fly-In, especially since UMA members were on the Hill during “Liberation Day,” just as President Donald Trump announced a new round of trade measures.
“Tariffs could drastically affect both new equipment costs and the availability of replacement parts,” said UMA Board Vice Chair Scott Riccio, Chair of the UMA Motorcoach EXPO Committee and President of Northeast Charter & Tour in Lewiston, Maine. “Some parts are sitting on docks with no clear guidance on how to tax them. Potentially, that creates serious disruption, and that’s the last thing we need.”
Clarence Cox, UMA Board Member and CEO of Georgia Coach Lines in Fayetteville, Georgia, said the timing of the Fly-In was critical.
“This year’s Fly-In holds unparalleled importance due to the substantial challenges posed by tariff uncertainties,” Cox said. “We find ourselves in uncharted territory, reminiscent of the adaptive strategies our industry employed during the COVID-19 crisis.”
Riccio added that nearly all motorcoaches sold in the U.S. are built abroad, with no domestic alternatives.
“There are no motorcoach manufacturing plants in the U.S. and there won’t be,” Riccio said. “We’re asking for a tariff exemption because we simply don’t have other options.”
Industry’s united front
The advocacy effort is part of a broader industry coalition. UMA is working in partnership with 18 national and regional motorcoach associations in calling for toll parity, charter service protections and tariff relief.
For Jack Kaufman, UMA Director and Vice President at Timi’s Tours in Moweaqua, Illinois, the Fly-In was a sign of the industry’s growing political credibility.
“Our message to lawmakers was clear and focused,” Kaufman said. “We need to preserve the Charter Rule, pass the Toll Parity and Clarity Act, and perhaps most urgently create a process for tariff exclusions. These issues directly impact the sustainability of our businesses.”
He added, “I was heartened to see bipartisan support. The experience on Capitol Hill is truly unparalleled, and I strongly encourage my industry colleagues to participate in future Fly-Ins. Our voices are making a difference.”
Julie Huskey, UMA Director and President of Huskey Trailways in Festus, Missouri, wasn’t sure what to expect from her first Fly-In. Like many small business owners in the industry, she had long been curious about the annual event but hesitant to attend.
“I think I was maybe scared to do it, or just didn’t take the time. I’ve always been busy with other things,” said Huskey. “It was kind of intimidating. But I decided, ‘You know what, I’m doing it.’”
Now, after a successful first visit to Capitol Hill, she’s already planning to return next year and is encouraging others to do the same.
“It went very well,” she said. “Educating our representatives and senators is the key. I don’t think a lot of them really knew what we do or the impact we have on our communities.”
Highlighting essential services
Huskey, whose company has served the Missouri region for decades, used her meetings with lawmakers to highlight the essential services motorcoach companies provide beyond leisure travel, such as supporting the military, helping evacuate flood victims, and transporting large groups in emergencies.
“I think many thought we were just in the tour business—taking people to have fun,” Huskey said. “But we’re there during disasters. We’re the ones getting people to safety. We’re very vital to the community.”
UMA Director Bethany Bertram, President of Trobec’s Bus Service in St. Joseph, Minnesota, was delighted with the fresh faces representing the association.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to advocate for our industry, build relationships with legislators, and connect with fellow operators from across the country,” she said. “This year was especially exciting with a record number of first-time attendees. It’s inspiring to see so many new voices getting involved. Being part of these important conversations and helping shape the future of our industry is something I truly value.”
Other participants also emphasized the importance of making the industry heard.
“Visiting D.C. was a reminder of what we learned during the pandemic – our voices matter,” said Trisha Fridrich, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at All Aboard America Holdings, based in Lakewood, Colorado. “The staffers I met with were incredibly receptive to our concerns. Not only does 90% of the U.S. military rely on us for ground transportation, but March Madness wouldn’t happen without buses.”
Fridrich added with a smile, “I think I logged over 13,000 steps, and I’m really glad I listened to the advice to wear comfortable shoes. It was a great turnout with lots of new faces. It would be amazing to have someone from every state next year.
“There was no reason to be nervous,” she said. “Everyone we met with understood the value of what we do.”
Glenn R. Every, chair of the UMA Legislative and Regulatory Committee, said the Fly-In exceeded his expectations.
“The people we met on the Hill were more receptive than in past years, especially when the discussion turned to our new bipartisan House bill and the tariffs that will impact our industry,” said Every, who is president of the Bus Association of New York State and Tonche Transit Inc. in Mount Tremper, New York.
“I would like to thank all who attended, as well as those who stayed home to keep the doors open and the buses running,” he said. “I would also like to thank the wonderful UMA staff and our partners at Prime Policy for orchestrating this outstanding event.”
Beyond policy, participants emphasized the importance of ongoing relationship-building with lawmakers and their staff. Riccio pointed out that the real work begins after the meetings end.
“I’ve already sent thank-you notes and follow-up materials to the staffers we met with,” he said. “Staying in touch after the Fly-In is how we keep building momentum. These conversations don’t end in Washington. They’re just beginning.”
