ABA, UMA discuss policy, unification

Staffs of the American Bus Association (ABA) and the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) met last March in Washington, D.C., to review the process of policymaking and other issues, including TEA 21 reauthorization, transit competition, safety and security programs and unification of the two organizations. The groups also discussed concerns over the increase of non-compliant curbside operators that skirt safety rules and unfairly compete with compliant operators. In addition, a coalition of private transportation associations, which included the ABA, met to promote the inclusion of all interested transportation parties in the federal planning process, and improved administration and enforcement of the current charter rules while protecting against unfair competition. With ballots due on May 2, executives of the groups have asked their members to vote in favor of unification of the two associations. “ABA and UMA are asking our respective members for their support in helping to join the two associations into one national organization,” said Ron Eyre, chairman of ABA’s board of directors, in a March letter to members. “By uniting two successful associations into one, that new association can more effectively use the limited resources in the industry to make our voice heard even louder in Washington and through North America.”