October Membership Renewal and Directory Updates

It is renewal time! Invoices were emailed on August 2nd and are due October 1. If you need another copy of the invoice, please follow the instructions below to download a copy from the InfoHub or you can send us an email.

To retrieve the invoice from the InfoHub, you must login.  (You must first be listed as a contact in your company's member profile and have created a user account). Please contact us if you need assistance.

Welcome to LYH, a quintessential Virginia city with a leafy veneer, a powerful industrial heart and a history that dates from John Lynch’s first ferry crossing of the James River in 1757. In their culturally-rich neighborhoods and picturesque, strollable city, you’ll discover a destination with a vital sense of its past and a growing contemporary energy. Take the time to explore their 40 miles of urban trails and riverfront downtown, as well as galleries and places of historical importance. In the Hill City, you’ll also want to take in views of the James River, wander through historic neighborhoods, taste their local flavor, and much more.

Contact: Contact Andrew Marks 434-485-7298 or andrew.marks@lynchburgva.gov.

With locations in Washington, DC and Chantilly, Virginia, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has one of the largest collection of aviation and space-related artifacts and is one of the most popular museums in the world. The Museum in Washington, DC is in the midst of a large-scale, multi-year renovation that will completely transform all 22 galleries and public spaces. At this time, eight of the new galleries are on view, along with a newly-renovated planetarium. The remaining galleries and spaces will reopen in phases in the coming years.

To maintain capacity limits, free timed-entry passes are required for all visitors. These may be reserved online. Groups have a separate registration portal at https://s.si.edu/GroupEntryPass. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located next to Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia. This is a significantly larger facility, with more than 3,000 artifacts – including nearly 200 aircraft on display. Free guided tours are available on a walk-up basis for visitors – and with advance reservations for groups. These are highly recommended – our docents are fantastic. The Museum also has an IMAX Theater (group rate tickets are available), a Shake Shack, and simulator rides. Admission is free, as is bus parking.

Contact: Holly Williamson 202-633-2373 or hwilliamson@si.edu.

PBA Member,  ABC Companies has completed its recent Phase II Zero Emissions Cross Country Tour, “Charge On America” driven by Peoria Charter (Peoria, IL). 

Piloted by Mr. James Wang of Peoria Charter, the “Charge On America” tour departed from ABC’s Newark, CA facility on July 26, 2023 covering over 2,800 miles and arriving at ABC HQ in Wintergarden, FL on August 7.

The entire trip was documented on the “Motorcoach World” YouTube channel which Wang began and now has over 28,000 followers from around the globe. Joined by co-driver Dennis Utley, also from Peoria Charter, and four other family members, the voyagers experienced first-hand the unique benefits and challenges of battery-electric travel. Despite grueling weather conditions, including triple-digit temps and moreover, interoperability, availability and capacity issues within the public infrastructure grid, the Van Hool TDX25E 45’ double deck coach posted impressive stats throughout the journey. As captured by real-time telematics, the vehicle met or exceeded all parameters along the route including projected mileage of 285 miles per full charge, based on 2.14 kWh per mile. Thirty-four charging sessions were recorded for a total of 69 charging hours. The trip consumed 6,419 kW and reduced CO2 emissions by 9,842.7 lbs. versus a comparable clean diesel motorcoach travelling the same route. Read the press release.

PBA Member, Lancer Insurance Company, a leading provider of property and casualty insurance products to passenger transportation companies across the U.S., is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of transportation safety consultant and regulatory expert Danielle Smith. A 38-year transportation industry veteran, Smith will represent Lancer at trade association events as a featured speaker and presenter on the topics of safety, driver training and regulatory compliance. Read the announcement.

PBA Member, Love Receptive Services is an established receptive tour company covering the following areas in Western Pennsylvania: Laurel Highlands (Somerset, Westmoreland and Fayette Counties), Pittsburgh, Indiana, Johnstown, Altoona, Bedford, and Mercer Counties.

Owner, Carol Love has over 46 years in the travel industry and is retiring and selling her business. She will provide customer lists and contact information, files and supplier contacts. Carol will also provide assistance to get a new owner started including introductions to her best customers and suppliers.

Please feel free to contact her for further details:

Carol Love, CTP

724-972-7277

lreceptiveservices@comcast.net

www.lovereceptiveservices.com

In the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca, New York, offers visitors the chance to explore stunning natural attractions and vibrant local culture. Known for its cascading waterfalls, breathtaking gorges, and sweeping views of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is a perfect destination for nature lovers, but is also said to have more restaurants per capita than New York City, per PBA Member and our June 17-24, 2024 Annual Conference host, Visit Ithaca. Read more...

Cook was one of the original members of the Maryland Bus Association and worked with the Pennsylvania Bus Association. He had strong ties with insurance companies and their underwriters, which benefited his clients. During his career, he was a principal at Stump, Harvey & Cook Insurance brokers in Baltimore, followed by Sackett Cook and Associates Transportation Insurance Brokers of Towson, Maryland.

He died peacefully Aug. 1 at Westview on Main in Fairhaven Massachusetts, with his wife of 41 years, Mary Elizabeth (White) Cook, by his side.  Read more...

Have You Contacted Your Senators and Representatives Yet?

Senators. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Tax Exemption Act in the Senate (S.1944). S.1944 is companion legislation to the House bill (H.R. 3510) re-introduced in May.

Bill H.R. 3510, reintroduction of a bill that would eliminate the tax burden for those who received CERTS Act money during the pandemic, was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means after being sponsored by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.). The bill has since garnered the support of Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Jared Golden (R-Maine), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and John Rose (R-Tenn.).

We need your help to advocate for our industry! Please contact your Senators and ask them to support S. 1944 and contact your Representatives and ask them to support H.R. 3510. Below are two easy forms that will only take a few minutes of your time to complete.

Registration is closed for the 10th Annual PBA Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop scheduled for August 16, 2023.

This year's sessions have been designed to address issues that a variety of our members are seeking. Members and their key staff will be able to pick and choose which topics are most relevant to their job responsibilities.

PBA is joining New England Bus, Connecticut Bus, Greater New Jersey Motorcoach, New York Bus and Mass Bus on September 6, 2023 at the Spa at the Norwich Inn, Norwich, CT. The content will include presentations that affect the collective association members from CARB 24 to knowing your rights when pulled over by the police. Sponsor opportunities available. Click here for more information and to register. If questions, please give us a call at the PBA office.

PBA Marketplace Committee Chair Alison Klein Sherman and Executive Director Pattie Cowley met with our host, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, and visited the event venues to plan out the two-day event, March 25-26. Check out the pictures!

The Nittany Valley Sports Centre will be the perfect spot to host our tradeshow!

Thank you to our hosts for their hospitality!

Monday, March 25th will be set-up day for exhibitors, educational seminar on tourism, Board of Director's meeting and an evening reception. Tuesday, March 26th will start with an informative Exhibitor breakfast, followed by the main event, our Group Leader Marketplace. 

Marketplace registration will open in September 2023 with an Early Bird Discount!

PA State Budget Impasse Ends As Gov. Josh Shapiro Signs $45.5 Billion Budget Into Law

The Republican-controlled Senate returned for a non-voting session to sign the budget bill and end a standoff that had been expected to continue until September. Read more...

Gettysburg To Test Bus Parking

Bus parking places will be created under a 90-day pilot program, a divided Gettysburg Borough Council decided. The program, which can be extended if the council wishes, is a response to an increase in bus traffic downtown since Pickett’s Buffet closed on Steinwehr Avenue. The American Battlefield Trust acquired the site. Read more...

PennDOT, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Seeking High School Students for Young Ambassadors Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting 10th -12th grade students from around the state to help keep Pennsylvania clean and beautiful through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program. Read more...

Bill Aims To Repeal Entry-Level Driver Training Rule

Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., reintroduced the Trucking Workforce Improvement Act in July. HR4738 would repeal the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulation that requires a prospective driver to complete an entry-level driver training program before receiving a commercial driver’s license. Read more...

2022-23 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Grant Applications Open 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the 2022-2023 DERA National Grant Program! The 2022-2023 DERA Grant Program will award approximately $115 million in grants, subject to the availability of funds, the quantity and quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations to implement cleaner technology projects to reduce emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel engines. Applicants must submit all grant application materials to Grants.gov by December 1, 2023. An informational webinar will take place on August 22 at 3 pm ET. Read more...

CVSA Requests More Time to Comment on AEB Proposal 

Two months is not enough time to provide comprehensive comments on a proposal to require automated emergency braking systems, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance recently told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. CVSA filed a request to the agencies on Aug. 3, asking them to extend the comment period another 30 days. Read more...

CVSA Releases 2023 International Roadcheck Results 

Commercial motor vehicles without any critical vehicle inspection violations are eligible to receive a CVSA decal. During this year’s International Roadcheck, decals were applied to 14,032 power units, 5,814 trailers and 305 motorcoaches/buses, for a total of 20,151 decals throughout North America. Read more...

Quick Tips To Avoid Being Out of Service During CVSA Brake Safety Week

Brake Safety Week is nearly upon us. This year it is Aug. 20-26. According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), “During Brake Safety Week, commercial motor vehicle inspectors highlight the importance of brake systems by conducting inspections of their components and removing commercial motor vehicles found to have brake-related out-of-service violations from our roadways until those violations are corrected.” Get tips to avoid being placed out of service. Read more...

TSA Assists American’s Motorcoach Routes Between Airports

TSA announced it has issued a short-term security program amendment to assess the security effectiveness of an industry-first program that transports screened passengers, their carry-on items and their checked baggage by bus from the secured area of Lehigh Valley International Airport into the secured area of Philadelphia International Airport.  Read More...

FMCSA Accident Recordkeeping Requirements

FMCSA requests approval to renew the ICR titled “Accident Recordkeeping Requirements.” This ICR relates to Agency requirements that motor carriers maintain a record of accidents involving their commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Motor carriers are not required to report this data to FMCSA, but must produce it upon inquiry by authorized Federal, State, or local officials. Read more...

ELD News: Four Are Removed and One Reinstated

On July 25th, the FMCSA has removed four ELD's and reinstated one that was previously revoked. Read more...

CARB Announces Public Comment Period on Amendments to the Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Emissions Regulations, Potential Public Hearing

On September 9, 2021, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted the Omnibus regulation which primarily established more stringent NOx and PM standards applicable to new 2024 and subsequent model year (MY) medium- and HD diesel and Otto-cycle engines. As the 2024 model year certification approached, CARB staff became aware through manufacturer product plans for 2024 to 2026 that while the technology for diesel-fueled Omnibus compliant engines was available, manufacturers did not intend to produce such engines for some categories of heavy-duty vehicles in California. Given the impacts to fleets manufacturers were projecting, additional flexibility was desired to enable a smoother transition to the Omnibus standards. A public hearing is currently not scheduled. Any interested person may request a public hearing by September 3, 2023. Written comments on the proposed amendments must be submitted by September 18, 2023. Read more...

Electric Bus Maker Proterra Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

Citing “market and macroeconomic headwinds,” the U.S.-based manufacturer looks to restructure its business. Read more...

New Research Shows Role of Association Membership in Motor Carrier Safety

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released foundational new research that statistically corroborates that motor carriers who are active in state and national membership associations are safer than both former association members and carriers who have never been association members. Read more...

New Research Reveals Social Media and Advertising’s Influence in Inspiring Travel

Research from Expedia Group uncovers how and where travelers plan and book travel, revealing the growing role of social media and advertising influence, top online resources, and the new online path to purchase. Read more...

Small Interstate Bus Company in Fatal Crash Was in Another PA Collision 8 Months Ago

Super Lucky Tour Company, the Boston-based bus company whose coach crashed on Interstate 81 in Dauphin County late Sunday, killing three, carries a “satisfactory” safety rating from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Read more...

How Safe Are Charter Buses? Do Your Homework Before You Ride

As investigators begin to probe the circumstances that led to the Lower Paxton Township crash, one question may linger among those who take day trips on charter buses or put their children on a bus for a field trip: Just how safe is travel by a motor coach? PBA Executive Director, Pattie Cowley's response is quoted in this article. 

Study Reveals Most Eco-Friendly Way to Travel

Wanderu recently published the results from its latest study, showing that buses are even more eco-friendly than trains (by up to 50%). Read more...

Free Resources for Group Travel

Looking to understand more about planning group travel and how it can grow your business and income, Groups Today offers plenty of free resources, from education, inspiration and professional development to timely group travel industry updates and business tips. Read more...

ICYMI

Alerts, Invitations, Press Releases, and more are sent out to our Members as needed. Here are the emails we sent out since last Go News below.

• Reminder! You’re Invited to a Joint Meeting in September.
• The October Membership Renewal is Around the Corner! Make Sure Your Organizational Information Is Up-to-Date in the PBA Member Portal.