ASK THE ABA EXPERTSA Women In Buses Council Webinar

WELCOME

Mission Statement Women in Buses Council is to recognize and advance the role of women in the motorcoach industry through networking, education and mentoring programs.

MembershipPrimary Membership: CEO, General Managers and other  bus company executives/decision-makers who are womenSupport Membership: Product and Services Suppliers, Bus Operator Sales and Marketing staff and Travel Industry staff

DESKSIDE ASSISTANCE

The Right People: ABA provides desk-side assistance to help members comply with federal and state/provincial operating regulations.

ABA is your

in Washington DCVOICE

Peter Pantuso, CTISPresident & CEO

Clyde J. Hart Jr.Sr. Vice President, Government Affairs & Policy

Brandon BuchananDirector of Regulatory Affairs

Daniel HoffDirector of Government Affairs and Policy

Matthew CahillLegislative Coordinator

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

Lobby for key bus provisions and tax legislation. Ensure full enforcement of the charter bus rule to prevent publicly funded transit agencies

from providing charter service.

Expand and or maintain the federal fuel tax rebate that bus operators currently receive. Ensure that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s enforcement actions target and close illegal and unsafe operators. Work with Congress to access different granting opportunities (i.e. bus security and wheelchair lift grants.) Integrate private bus operators into national, state and

local transportation planning. Promote motorcoach travel as a safe, cost effective, environmentally conscience mode of transportation.

ABA is your

in Washington DCVOICE

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

Transportation reauthorization—next MAP-21MAP-21 expires in September 2014Bus issues: fuel tax parity; tolling authority; security funding; facility access for buses; bus inspections (DOD, close “safe harbor” States) for unsafe operators

Tax Reform effort and the Highway Trust Fund (HTF)HTF outlays surpass revenues by $7 billion in 2015Congress needs to add 10 cents per gal to keep HTF solvent in fiscal year 2015So far: No “will” for a gas tax increase, VMT tax or general funds transfer to the HTF (other suggestions: tax on stock sales, tax on gas at wellhead)

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and HOSATU effort to eliminate HOS exemption from FLSA

Rail Passenger Reauthorization and MotorcoachesIntegrate bus service with rail corridor servicesFunding for intermodal terminals for intercity bus operators

DOD/DOT Bus Safety Inspections

Intercity Bus Security Grants

The Travel Regional Investment Partnership Act (TRIP)Establishes a competitive grant program to promote domestic regional tourism.

Travel Promotion, Enhancement and Modernization Act HR-4450Work for continued funding for Brand USA, which has helped increase foreign visitations to the US to 60 million visitors.

OTHER ISSUES TO WATCH

New Jersey Franchise Tax

Intercity Bus PermitsNew York City

Bus Inspections at Weigh Stations

Charter Bus RulesOperators state that this issue of transit competition is a top priority, yet very few remain registered with the FTA website.

Florida and Tennessee Ticket Reseller’s Laws

REGULATORY ISSUES

NHTSA RulemakingsSeat belts final rule – 2013; 2016 required on all new coaches

Rollover prevention

Electronic Stability Control - NPRM at OMB for review.

Emergency Egress standards – decision to proceed

Fire hardening and suppression standards – study done.

Advanced glazing standards – research ongoing

REGULATORY ISSUES

FMCSA RulemakingsSpeed limiters: ATA-supported, no time limit given

EOBRs - NPRM Issued. Comment Date Closed.

Carrier fitness determinations

ADA interpretation

DHS RulemakingsBus security protocols

SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY

ABA is actively involved in the safe operations of our bus operator members. ABA staff checks on company safety records quarterly. Formerly an annual self-certification.

Companies with Conditional ratings are given 6 months to make changes or be asked to leave ABA.

Companies with Unsatisfactory ratings are asked to leave ABA.Look at more than just the satisfactory/unsatisfactory rating.

Companies with several alerts, , in their SMS score are advised to attend BISC and directed towards resources that can help before they reach Unsatisfactory status.

SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY

THE PASSENGER TOOLS

Safer Bus AppNational Consumer Complaint Database1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238)

Safety ComplaintService IssuesADA Issues

Free Download: iTunes Google Play

BUS INDUSTRY SAFETY COUNCIL

The BISC is comprised of security, mechanical, safety, operational and maintenance professionals as well as consultants from all segments of the industry.

Government agencies represented -DHS, TSA, FTA, FMCSA, NHTSA.

The group meets regularly to discuss issues, best practices and innovations in the areas of safety, regulatory compliance, mechanics, technology and security.

Travel reimbursement for operators that attend.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Call ABA’s Crisis Management Team. We’re here to help get you through this and be your spokesman.

Don’t speak with media until you have called ABA’s Crisis Management Team, your insurance company and your attorney.

Compile a list of phone numbers and emails of media members who have called.

Identify a spokesman. Instruct your driver and other staff not to speak with the media, direct media to spokesman.

Concentrate as much time as you can on helping your passengers, dealing with police, insurance and Federal and State investigators.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Let us know what is on your mind.

Questions Concerns Issues

WAYS ABA KEEPS YOU CONNECTED

E-NEWSLETTERS

EDUCATION SESSIONS

MEMBER ALERTS

PUBLICATIONS

MEETINGS & ANNUAL

CONVENTION

TRIP PLANNING TOOLS

ABA provides a list of parking, idling, drop-off & pick-up areas and motorcoach permit guidelines for areas throughout North America designed to make trip planning easier for motorcoach and tour operators.

THANK YOU

Thank you for your participation today.

Look for future announcements on new webinars and Women in Buses events.

www.buses.org