More than 70 bus and motorcoach operator CEO’s and senior executives are in Washington D.C. this week to participate in the United Motorcoach Association’s UMA Capitol Hill Days. Prime Policy Group, UMA’s government relations firm, has scheduled more than 300 individualized appointments for members to meet with Congressional elected officials to discuss key legislative issues affecting the motorcoach industry. 

UMA’s key message points for Congress this year will be focused on policies that are considered by the industry as regulatory overreach, and advocacy for modernization and streamlining of Federal regulations to result in increased safety, growth for the industry, and growing business opportunities for private operators to participate in their communities' local transit and commuter programs.

“United Motorcoach Association members are tired of being overregulated and underappreciated for the essential value they bring to the economy,” said Dale Krapf, chairman of UMA and Krapf’s Coaches, headquartered in West Chester, Pa. “Every day, millions of people board motorcoaches to access jobs, healthcare, education, and tourism; each motorcoach represents 3.4 direct employment jobs and brings $7,000 to $11,000 in daily revenue to the communities in which they overnight. A key objective for today is to leave no doubt in our elected leaders’ minds of the important economic impact our members make each day across the U.S.”

"How can UMA help my motorcoach operation?" Our member programs and services cater to every need of your operation. pic.twitter.com/F9h9HczmGz

— UMA (@UMADrives) October 13, 2016

The motorcoach tour and travel industry contributes nearly $112.7 billion in total economic activity and has one of the strongest safety records among all modes of transportation, according to the UMA.