UMA discusses priorities with Obama team

The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) met with representatives from President-Elect Obama’s transition team Monday to assist the new administration in establishing priorities for the passenger transportation industry.

Represented by Victor S. Parra, president/CEO; Ken Presley, VP industry relations; and Becky Webber, lobbyist, the UMA discussed with the Department of Transportation transition team representatives the bus and motorcoach industry’s key issues and perspectives, interests and needs.

“We are pleased to be asked to provide the Obama administration with information and the perspectives of the motorcoach industry,” said Parra. “We trust the information provided will give them insight into our industry and help provide the foundation for a productive relationship as we move forward.”

Among the issues and topics discussed during the meeting was the Federal Transit Administration’s Final Charter Bus Rule. UMA continues to stress the importance of this rule and remains focused on ensuring the rule continues to be fairly implemented and vigorously enforced and not weakened through future regulatory or legislative actions.

“We want the new administration to understand the importance of this rule to UMA operator members, their employees and the communities they serve. Most bus and motorcoach companies are small businesses and small businesses have proved to be the real economic engine in challenging economic times,” added Presley.

Additional issues conveyed include occupant protection and the need for sound scientific research and findings, the federal fuel tax exemption for over-the-road buses, stronger enforcement of the FMCSA’s new entrant program, and the overall importance of the impact the bus and motorcoach industry has on the travel and tourism economy.

“UMA was founded on the purpose of representing the charter and tour coach owner/operator,” said Parra. “Our meeting with the new administration further emphasizes this mission and as new leadership is placed in the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, we look forward to working with them on the key issues facing our industry and Nation.”