OCTOBER 30, 2018


Reminder: UMA election ballots are due to be postmarked and returned no later than November 15, 2018.
UMA adds Motorcoach Marketing Council to its brands; transition to wrap up by year's end
Founded in 2012, the Motorcoach Marketing Council was created simply to increase motorcoach ridership in North America. Since its inception, the council has taken on many faces and forms, and enjoyed a long history of support from manufacturers, industry associations, operators and vendors.

Today, the council is again transforming itself by moving in a direction that its board believes is in the best interests of the industry as a whole: the Motorcoach Marketing Council is becoming part of the United Motorcoach Association.

 It will operate under the UMA umbrella. Operator companies will still be able to rely on the professional quality resources to supercharge their marketing efforts to reach more consumers and prove the advantages of motorcoach travel. UMA will be transitioning the council’s resources over the coming months and expects to have made a full transition by the end of 2018.

Stacy Tetschner, president and CEO of UMA, had this to say about the upcoming move: “I have been nothing but impressed with what the council has been doing since I have started at the United Motorcoach Association. They’ve built great tools and done so much to support the industry, and our board was thrilled to learn that there might be an opportunity to create a relationship with the Motorcoach Marketing Council. We’re so happy that we’ll get to have that chance!”
“We are very excited about this new opportunity. We see a future that is stronger together. UMA has believed in the mission of the council from the beginning and marketing the council’s tools is something that needs attention and resources. As an association, we’re committed to carrying the council’s vision into the future.”

Stacy Tetschner,
President & CEO
United Motorcoach Association
The United Motorcoach Association has long supported the council and contributed to its work. Their commitment to the council’s mission, and the passion they have for helping operators become better marketers, has helped the council get where it is today.

“We are very excited about this new opportunity,” said Tetschner. “We see a future that is stronger together. UMA has believed in the mission of the council from the beginning and marketing the council’s tools is something that needs attention and resources. As an association, we’re committed to carrying the council’s vision into the future.”
Photo: Aaron Marsh / Fleet Owner
A glimpse into the mind of the FMCSA
FleetOwner considers the new tone since Secretary Martinez took over
FleetOwner | by Aaron Marsh | Oct. 29, 2018

AUSTIN, TX. There's been a different tone at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)—it's stood out this year as the agency has held, for instance, a string of listening sessions on key regulatory issues. At the American Trucking Association's (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition here in Austin, FMCSA Administrator Ray Martinez gave updates on top items and shared some thoughts, offering insight on the agency's work behind the scenes.
Space is limited for Safety Management Seminar
Dec. 5 -6, 2018, NTSB Training Center, Ashburn, VA
UMA Members: $295
Non-Members: $465
​ The Safety Management Seminar features "how-to" applications of risk management to show you how to eliminate as much risk as possible. This must-attend event is for anyone who manages safety and compliance for motorcoach fleet operations. Sessions will focus on the industry's most pressing needs and provide take-away information that attendees can put into practice ASAP.
‌
Know an environmental leader?
Nominate an operator for recognition

The Environmental Leadership Award, originally introduced at the 2008 UMA Motorcoach EXPO as the Green Highway Award, is sponsored by Motor Coach Industries each year. The award was revised this year to support the next level of effort in environmental leadership. Nominations for this award are being accepted through November 26.


Nominations must be received by Nov. 26 . Please fax completed nomination forms to 703.838.2950 or email Carrington Blake at cblake@uma.org. 
How does the NYC cap on for-hire vehicle licenses affect motorcoach operators?
City & State New York | by Julia Repisky at Ally Charter Bus| October 29, 2018

We live in an era where, with just one tap of a button on an app, a personal ride will conveniently arrive in just a matter of minutes, taking you anywhere you desire. 

But as people grow more and more dependent on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, more problems arise in heavily congested parts of New York City, especially at busy locations where people often rely on 3rd party forms of transportation, like the airport. 

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft account for roughly  118,000 vehicles  on the road, regulated and licensed through the New York Taxi & Limousine Commission, while chauffeured vehicles like charter bus rentals only make up less than 4%. With e-hail services becoming more popular, taxi and for-hire services have faced a considerable decline in business, leaving  40% of for-hire vehicles empty . 

EXPO exhibitor webinar: Top tips for engagement
This week! Calling all exhibitors and would-be exhibitors! UMA is hosting a video conference for our 2019 exhibitors to learn what's new for our 2019 Motorcoach EXPO. Join us to learn some exhibiting best practices, and get the answers to any basic questions you might have. Exhibitors will hear from our Show Manager, David Petrillo, on some tips to maximize engagement at EXPO and ensure a successful show.

Date : Wednesday, November 14, 2018 - NEW DATE!
Time : 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meeting Code:  131 377 317

Call in to:  US: 1 669 900 6833 or 1 646 876 9923
Use the Meeting ID:   131 377 317

Bus & Motorcoach News is mailed twice monthly to all UMA members. In addition, it's available online 24/7 at www.busandmotorcoachnews.com and by email, on a schedule you choose! Invite everyone on your staff to stay informed about the industry by signing up for email updates from  Bus & Motorcoach News .  Sign up here. You can choose daily or weekly updates! Below is a sampling of what's in our latest digital and print editions.
The Safety Management Seminar sells out each year and limited seating is still available. Sign up as soon as possible to secure your seat.
New York steps up security at key infrastructure points
Bus & Motorcoach News | by Bus & Motorcoach News | October 26, 2018

Companies with vehicles operating in or traveling to the New York City area are advised to prepare for longer travel times due to a recent escalation of law enforcement activity at critical infrastructure points within the metropolitan area.
N ew York Governor Andrew Cuomo called for the stepped-up enforcement following recent cases of explosive devices found at three New York locations. One hundred National Guard soldiers have been deployed and security has been doubled at the key infrastructure points in and around the city.

Podcast: A discussion about UMA's Maintenance Interchange with Rich Tisone of Stout's Transportation
Bus & Motorcoach News | by Steven Valley | October 18, 2018

Steven Valley, host of UMA's Motorcoach Minute Podcast, sat down with Rich Tisone of Stout's Transportation to learn more about the Maintenance Interchange that takes place annually at Motorcoach EXPO. In the 20-minute discussion Rich explains who attends, why the event is important and the reason it is still going strong more than 20 years after it first began.

Motorcoach Minute Podcasts are archived on the Bus & Motorcoach News website. Past podcasts have included discussions about trends in bus interior design, marketing resources, what's going to be new at EXPO, and programs that allow operators to save money with UMA discounts and even ways to generate revenue with insurance products for tours and travel.

2019 Motorcoach EXPO
The future of the motorcoach industry!
INNOVATE - EDUCATE - CELEBRATE
MEMBER RESOURCES

Generate revenue and provide a needed service for your customers

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services worked closely with UMA to create a unique line of insurance products that will both meet the needs of travel planners and generate revenue for operators. UMA members have the exclusive opportunity to offer travel protection plans to customers that provide peace of mind for travelers. In addition to generating revenue for operators, offering these plans allows your company to have a strategic advantage over competitors who cannot offer this to their customers. Better programs win the day. Numerous programs are available to meet the varied needs of your customer base.


Seven marketing mistakes that could come back to haunt you. Seriously.

Small Business Administration | by Rieva Lesonsky| October 6, 2018

It may be the season for ghosts and goblins, but ghastly creatures aren’t the only things that can haunt a small business owner. Making any one of the 7 common marketing mistakes below can have frightening consequences for your small business. Find out what you have to fear from these marketing mishaps and how to avoid them.

Motorcoach Industry Calendar


NOVEMBER 2018
  • 7 GNJMA Annual Driver Safety Meeting at Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, NJ http://www.gnjma.com/
  • 14 Webinar for EXPO Exhibitors: Learn Top Tips to Maximize Engagement, 2-3 p.m. ET  https://zoom.us/join
  • 15 UMA Election ballots must be postmarked and returned!

DECEMBER 2018
  • 5-6 UMA Safety Management Seminar, NTSB Training Center, Ashburn, VA, Hotel TBA - save the date! www.uma.org/safety

JANUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

MARCH 2019
  • 26 PBA Board Meeting – Wyndham York, York, PA http://pabus.org/
  • 26 PBA Investing in the Motorcoach Industry: Increasing your ROI seminar, Wyndham York, York, PA http://pabus.org/
  • 26 PBA Drivers & Employees of Distinction Awards Program – Wyndham York, York, PA http://pabus.org/
  • 27 PBA Marketplace Group Leader Show, Wyndham York, York, PA

JUNE 2019
  • 18-21 PBA Board Meeting, Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ (Hosted by Atlantic City/MeetAC)
  • 21 PBA Board Meeting, Atlantic City http://pabus.org/

AUGUST 2019
  • 6-9 IMG Strategic Alliance Meeting, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • 14 PBA Safety & Preparedness Workshop, York Springs, PA http://pabus.org/
  • 14-18 NAMO Annual Conference & Marketplace – Springfield, MO  http://www.namo-coaches.org/
YOU ARE UMA
Remember, as a UMA member you have the power of discounts on the best products and services, access to relevant education, targeted professional resources, and colleagues all over the map. Remember to consult your member directory when you need help on the road, access to more vehicles to meet demand, or services out of your area. We are UMA! Want to find other members to do business with? Use the online directory.

Reach the UMA staff by calling (703) 838-2929 or by email at info@uma.org. We love to hear from our members!