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David Thomas Trailways Announces the Opening of Philly Bus Works in Philadelphia
PBA Member, David Thomas Trailways has opened Philly Bus Works, expert bus repair in Philadelphia. At Philly Bus Works, their team of seasoned experts boasts over 40 years of combined experience in the specialized field of motorcoach and school bus repair and maintenance. Under the skilled leadership of George Brown, their Director of Maintenance Services, they are renowned for their profound expertise and ability to swiftly troubleshoot and resolve complex issues, ensuring your vehicles are always road-ready.
Philly Bus Works is conveniently situated in Northeast Philadelphia at 14005 McNulty Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154, right off the I-95 corridor.
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Big Things Happening at Easton Coach
Big things are happening at the Hazleton location of PBA Member Easton Coach.
They've settled into their new building and marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Here's to the next chapter in their journey!
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Martz Bus Offers Green Tips
At Martz, “going green” is much more than just a concept. As a transportation company serving people in communities along the East Coast, Martz is totally committed to reducing our carbon footprint wherever possible — and helping to preserve our environment for generations to come. They are proud of the following achievements, and rest assured, they will continue to seek ways to go even greener.
- Did you know that taking public transportation instead of driving your own vehicle can have a significant positive impact on the environment?
- Public transportation helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. By opting for buses you can help decrease air pollution and improve the overall air quality in your city.
- Not only is public transportation better for the environment, but it can also help reduce traffic congestion and save you money on gas and maintenance costs. Plus, you can relax during your commute, read a book, or catch up on emails instead of dealing with the stress of driving in traffic.
- Next time you're considering how to get around, think about the positive impact you can make by choosing public transportation. It's a small change that can make a big difference for our planet.
Read more ways PBA Member Martz Bus "stays green".
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Lancer Insurance - Weather Wise Video
Severe weather calls for heightened caution on the roads. PBA Member Lancer Insurance published an animated video that presents the five fundamental steps every driver can take—regardless of weather conditions—to help ensure safe navigation and mitigate the likelihood of accidents.
Read more...
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Lycoming County Visitors Bureau Hosting a FAM Tour June 12-15, 2024
Join PBA Member,Lycoming County Visitors Bureau for an exciting and fun fam tour of Williamsport and Lycoming County. We are a wonderful destination
for your motorcoach tours looking for a short getaway, or the perfect addition to an existing itinerary. Consider joining us for an informative trip.
The Lycoming County Visitors Bureau will host you on a 2 or 3 night fam tour including accommodations, tours, meals (breakfast (3), lunch (2) and dinner (1).
Fam tour is open to 1 room per Tour Operator, should you plan to bring 2 per company, the room will be double occupancy. Download the flyer!
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PBA Scholarship Program - Application Period Closes Today!
The goal of the PBA scholarship is to support Member education goals and to encourage the pursuit of formal education. Formal education includes trade certification, specialized training and of course, college. There will be two annual scholarships awarded in the amount of $1,000 each. The scholarship will be awarded at PBA’s 2024 Annual Conference. Application Deadline: April 30, 2024.
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PBA - Pay It Foward Program!
As a PBA member, when you refer a new member to PBA, they will receive 15% off their first year's dues.
With the Pay-It-Forward program, as the referrer, you will also receive 15% off your next renewal. Visit www.pabus.org/Join-PBA. Questions? Contact Pattie Cowley.
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District Lobby Week Held April 22-26
PBA's District Lobby Week with local House members and Senators, was held during the week of April 22-26, 2024.
We held a Pre-Lobby Week prep call on March 28th where our lobbying firm, One+ Strategies and Senator Greg Rothman shared what is needed for a successful lobby week and to educate you on the process. They gave pointers on scheduling the meetings, how to prepare for the meetings and suggested post-meeting follow-up.
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The goal of the District Lobby Week was to highlight your operations and the impact you have on your local community and the Commonwealth.
As you know, tourism is a huge industry in Pennsylvania, and your motorcoach operations play a major role in helping the tourism industry thrive.
If you have any pictures or stories to share from District Lobby Week, please email them to Diana Kowalski.
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PBA Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop
We are starting the planning process for the 11th Annual PBA Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop and we are looking for your input on topics.
As a guideline for topics, the following were presented at our 2023 workshop:
- Camera Use Discussion – The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
- Mechanic's Roundtable Discussion (DEF: Basic After Treatment System & a facilitated conversation with Mechanics to share best practices and common challenges.)
- ADA Compliance
- Branding & Marketing Your Company
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What are your thoughts for the workshop? | Please take a few minutes to let us know your thoughts by submitting your input. | |
2024 Annual Conference - Registration Deadline is May 24! | |
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The 2024 Annual Conference will be hosted by Visit Ithaca in Ithaca, NY June 17-20, 2024! We will be experiencing the area with FAMS, Dine-Around Night and Opening & Closing venues at area partners.
The countdown is on, and now is the time to reserve your spot and ensure you don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Join us for a few days filled with learning, networking, and fun! We have an amazing agenda planned for you, view the schedule! Secure your spot now before it's too late! Registration closes May 24th!
Note, to receive Member pricing, you must be recognized by the member portal, identified by your email or you can login to the system. If you have not created an account yet, please do so today.
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IMPORTANT DEADLINES
May 3, 2024: Sponsorships close- ad/artwork is due.
May 17, 2024: Hotel Cut-off
May 24, 2024: Registration closes
Sponsorships yield some nice benefits to increase your visibility while supporting our mission. We have (1) Diamond, (2) Gold and (1) Silver Sponsorships still available. Supporter Sponsorships & Program Ads are unlimited! If you are interested in one of these sponsorships, you can select it on your registration form.
Secure your sponsorship or ad by the deadline; Friday, May 3rd!
Diamond: Keynote Speaker
Gold: General Membership Meeting, Conference Signage
Silver: PBA Registration Booth
View sponsorships and the benefits of each sponsor level and then when registering, select it on your registration form. Diamond and Platinum sponsorships include two complimentary conference registrations as a sponsor benefit!
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THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS! | |
INDUSTRY AND COMMONWEALTH NEWS | |
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Pennsylvania Presidential Primary Election Results 2024
Donald Trump has secured the delegates needed to win the Republican nomination. Joe Biden has secured the delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination. Read more...
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Shapiro Administration Announces Additional Funding Opportunity for Electric Vehicle Charging
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced program details for Round 1B of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding opportunity. The proposal period will open on May 13, and close on July 10 at 5:00 PM EDT. These opportunities further the Shapiro Administration's work to address climate change, grow the Commonwealth's economy and ensure that the future of Pennsylvania transportation is on track to be cleaner, safer, more affordable, and more reliable than ever before. Read more....
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Philadelphia CDL School Owner Sentenced to Prison for Licensing Scheme
A former CDL school owner in Philadelphia was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for bribing a CDL exam administrator to pass students who didn’t take the exam. Read more...
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$1.8 M in Intercity Bus Security Grants Available, Applications Due 6/24
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a $1.8 million grant opportunity for intercity bus security in fiscal year 2024. To qualify, applicants must have completed a vulnerability assessment within the past three years and provide a 50% cost match. The grants aim to enhance security for both operators and passengers, covering improvements in driver/vehicle and facility security, emergency communication technology, and training. Read more...
All entities wishing to do business with the federal government must have a unique entity identifier. The UEI number is issued by the SAM system. Requesting a UEI using Sam.gov can be found here.
A link to updated grant application forms and program information can be found at fema.gov and on grants.gov.
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FMCSA Moves on Registration System Update
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is requesting approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget for a new information collection request (ICR) titled “FMCSA Registration System.” Read more...
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FMCSA Removes Inward-Facing Camera Rule From Apprenticeship Program
Inward-facing cameras will no longer be required for carriers to participate in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program, the agency said in a post on LinkedIn and Federal Register notice. Read more...
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Research Exposes Alarming Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities of ELDs
New research led by Jeremy Daily at Colorado State University highlights alarming vulnerabilities in Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) used in trucks. In just 30 seconds, hackers can compromise a truck's system by accessing its ELD remotely. The study's findings raise concerns about widespread attacks, as demonstrated by a "truck-to-truck worm" capable of infecting entire fleets. Read more...
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CVSA Petitions FMCSA to Amend Inspection Report Requirements
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to remove one of the requirements involving inspection reports. Read more...
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How To Prepare for CVSA International Roadcheck 2024
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is coming up next month. It is a high-visibility, high-volume inspection and compliance enforcement initiative, and carriers should begin preparing now to avoid racking up unexpected violations. Read more...
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Commuter Bus Exemption Plan
Buses enrolled in the Commuter Bus Exemption Plan (CoBEP) are exempt from the Congestion Relief Zone toll. Read more...
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Mass. Transportation Secretary Floats Idea of Tolls at Border with New Hampshire
New Hampshire drivers may face increased tolls entering Massachusetts, as the state's transportation secretary explores border toll possibilities. Massachusetts' Department of Transportation is considering tolls as part of a task force initiative to bolster transportation funding. Read more...
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New EV Charging Features Are Coming to Google Maps
Google’s new Maps features help EV drivers find exact information about EV chargers’ locations, plan charging stops for road trips, and more.
Google says that in “the coming months,” it will start to show AI-powered summaries in Google Maps that describe a charger’s specific location based on millions of user reviews posted daily. Directions will get even more specific since reviews about EV chargers now prompt for additional details like what type of plug you used and how long you had to wait. Read more...
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Interested in Joining a PBA Committee?
PBA has five active, volunteer-based committees in the areas of Annual Conference, Ethics. Legislative & Advocacy, Marketplace, and Membership.
Visit the Committee page where you can view each committee and members, contact Pattie Cowley to join!
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ICYMI
Alerts, Invitations, Press Releases, and more are sent out to our Members as needed. Here are the emails we sent out since last GoNews below.
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PBA maintains active Social Media Platforms. In addition to the emailed communications we send to you, we actively share information to our platforms. We encourage you to LIKE US, FOLLOW US and ENGAGE with us! #pabus | | | | |
