Websites such as Bus Rates.com and charterbusconnect.com do most of the homework for you. Some operators are using their current customers as sources for new leads. Additionally, trade shows offer the opportunity to establish personal relationships.

Over the past 23 years, John (pictured) and Larry Benjamin, co-owners of the Minnesota-based business, have built up their companies to become award-winning motorcoach and school bus operations. Meanwhile, the industry says goodbye to Larry, a well-loved member who made invaluable contributions through the UMA.

A whole host of new regulations and possible legislation are on the horizon for motorcoach operators. METRO spoke to the ABA's Norm Littler and UMA's Ken Presley to find out the latest on some of the issues.

As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s quest to make motorcoach travel safer, the FMCSA has begun conducting listening sessions to solicit concepts, ideas and information. The first such session was held at the ABA’s Marketplace in January.

The proposed rule EOBR rule also would eliminate the need for motor carriers to retain certain HOS supporting documents, such as delivery and toll receipts, which are currently used to verify the total number of hours drivers spend operating the vehicle.

Sessions included a discussion by junior operators on finding ways to reach a wider audience as well as how to breathe new life into the industry. On the legislative front, FMCSA Administrator Ferro was on hand to discuss new safety regulation programs.

After a senator’s proposal resulted in an exemption granted to a Seattle transit agency to provide transportation to sporting events, many in the motorcoach industry are concerned for the Rule’s future and defend its importance.

Bus and motorcoach travelers generate more than $55 billion annually in economic transactions and create employment for nearly 800,000 people.

Working on motorcoaches and buses nearly his entire life has taught METRO magazine’s Operator of the Year award winner Dale Krapf, chairman of the board, Krapf Bus Companies, how to adapt and grow in an industry that is constantly in flux and comes with multiple opportunities disguised as challenges.

New opportunities created by the Charter Bus Rules were also topics of discussion. Operators were urged to partner with local operators that have historically been looked at as the competition.