METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

UMA, Bus & Motorcoach Academy return to BusCon 2017

The two sessions at BusCon 2017 in Indianapolis Sept. 11 to 13, which are open to all bus operators, will discuss the capital cost of contracting and the federal governments Data Q system.

July 27, 2017
UMA, Bus & Motorcoach Academy return to BusCon 2017

BusCon offers budget-conscious bus operators extraordinary value, with a full conference pass ranging from $98 to $130, which includes two networking receptions, educational programming, packed show floor, and more.

2 min to read


The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) and the Bus & Motorcoach Academy will return to this year’s BusCon 2017, which will be held at Indianapolis’ Indiana Convention Center Sept. 11 to 13, to host two informative sessions that are open to all bus operators.

The first session, “The Capital Cost of Contracting,” will discuss how, with tight transit budgets, this approach to funding can allow public transits to reduce their capital outlay by contracting for just the service delivered. The often overlooked formula could be a great method for engaging local, private bus companies in special projects and commuter services.

Ad Loading...

The session will be delivered by Steve Klika, former president of the International Motor Coach Group and the Global Passenger Network. With over three decades of transportation experience in both the private and public sectors, Klika is an elected commissioner for Johnson County, Kan., and chairman of the Kansas City Area Transit Authority.

BusCon offers budget-conscious bus operators extraordinary value, with a full conference pass ranging from $98 to $130, which includes two networking receptions, educational programming, packed show floor, and more.

The UMA’s other session features Richard Gobbell, who will focus how to make the most of the Data Q system to appeal errors that show up on an operator’s federal Safety Measurement System scores — a key component in ensuring that your operation’s crucial customer-facing safety score is accurate.

With 36 years of state and federal commercial motor vehicle enforcement, Gobbell founded Gobbell Transportation Safety LLC in 2007 after a long career that included stops at the Tennessee Public Service Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. It has been estimated that Gobbell conducted over 10,000 commercial motor vehicle inspections and over 1,000 Safety Compliance and Hazardous Materials audits and investigations.   

The rest of this year’s BusCon educational sessions will touch on everything from how to instill core principles to improve driver safety to what you need to know about aftersales service, warranties, and more, featuring representatives from REV Bus Group, MCI, Trans/Air, and United States Warranty.

BusCon offers budget-conscious bus operators extraordinary value, with a full conference pass ranging from $98 to $130, which includes two networking receptions, educational programming, packed show floor, and more. For more information and to register, click here.

More New Mobility

frontrunner bus
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus

Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.

Read More →
A new LexRide vehicle for Lextran's on-demand service.
New Mobilityby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Kentucky's Lextran Launches LexRide to Enhance Downtown Mobility

LexRide connects key destinations, including Downtown Lexington, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block/National Avenue area, making it easier to explore without worrying about parking, traffic, or multiple rideshare trips.

Read More →
Opening art for Sustabinability Partners Q&A
Zero Emissionsby Alex RomanMarch 25, 2026

Inside EVaaS: A New Model for Airport Fleet Electrification

Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Officials and community leaders cut a ribbon in front of a Pace On Demand shuttle bus outside Rolling Meadows City Hall to celebrate expanded on-demand transit service in northwest Cook County.
New Mobilityby News/Media ReleaseMarch 9, 2026

Chicago Pace Expand On-Demand Transportation Program

The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.

Read More →
A vehicle that will be used for MARTA's Reach mobility program.
New Mobilityby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Atlanta's MARTA Set to Launch New On-Demand Transportation Service

An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.

Read More →
A black and blue HOLON urban autonomous vehicle on a city street.
New Mobilityby Elora HaynesFebruary 26, 2026

CharterUP Moves to Scale Autonomous Shuttle Deployments Through HOLON Partnership

The partnership aims to accelerate the rollout of electric, high-capacity autonomous shuttles for campuses, airports, transit systems, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Joshua Schank, Ph.D., alongside the ACES Mobility Coalition logo.
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

ACES Mobility Coalition Selects Joshua Schank as New Executive Director

Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.

Read More →
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
New Mobilityby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program

The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →