8/18/2020
MEMBER NEWS
News Article:  Susquehanna Trailways Shares Struggle 
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the state of Pennsylvania and most of the nation have had to adapt to ever-changing protocols to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus, forcing many local businesses to close or restrict hours or operations. Those businesses providing entertainment and transportation have been particularly hit hard.  Read article here.
Fullington Trailways Shares Cleaning Process & Travel Reminders  
PBA member, Fullington Trailways shares their cleaning processes and some travel reminders, in the below video, to help keep everyone healthy, safe, and comfortable while traveling with Fullington.

Klein Transportation Services to Resume with Extreme Clean Commitment  
After a temporary suspension of service, GNJMA Member Klein Transportation resumed transportation to New York City on July 31 and will run weekly on Friday's and Sunday's with intensified cleaning, disinfecting, distancing and prevention practices.  Read their commitment.
Philadelphia is Back in Business Virtual Event  
PBA Operators, join PBA Member One Liberty Observation Deck and members of the Philadelphia Attractions Group for a Zoom event on Wednesday, September 16th.  They will be discussing how Philly is back in business and answering all of your questions for both 2020 and 2021 tours.  If interested, please send an email to Diane Meglino CTIS, Sales Manager: diane@phillyfromthetop.com.
REGISTER OR 
SAVE-THE-DATE!
Human Trafficking Coalition Build
TOMORROW
Virtual
Last Call to

FMCSA HOS Seminar
August 26, 2020
Virtual

PBA 2021 Marketplace
March 23, 2021
York Expo Center
York, PA

PBA 2021 Annual Meeting
June 20-23, 2021
Wind Creek 
Bethlehem
Bethlehem, PA


PBA 2022 Marketplace
March 2022 (22 or 29th)
The Liberty Arena
Williamsport, PA

PBA 2022 Annual Meeting
June 2022
Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
State College, PA


Do You Have News?
We would love to hear from you.  Share your news via email to director@pabus.org.
BUSBooks Shares Expertise on PPP
PBA Member, BUSBooks' Tracy Fickett is well-versed in how the Paycheck Protection Program impacts motorcoach operators and shared her expertise recently in a webinar.  Read more...
PBA to Offer FMCSA Distracted Driver Train-the-Trainer Program This Fall 
FMCSA has awarded a cooperative agreement to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Training, Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) program to provide training to Commercial Drivers about the dangers of driving distracted. As this program is funded by FMCSA, the training is completely free and should be delivered to CDL holders at no cost.  Keep your eye on your email for the Member Alert to be released soon!  
PBA Travel Suppliers - Are You Open for Business? 
We sent travel supplier members emails asking to complete a short survey form to let us know the status of being "open for business".  So far, 104 members have responded!  We are sharing this information so our operator members know who is open for trip planning.  We also asked for contact updates for our database.  Missed the memo?  Here's a link to complete the form.  Updated results are available to download and view. #letsgetrolling!
PBA is Active on Multiple Social Media Platforms 
If you are not aware, PBA maintains active Social Media Platforms.  In addition to the emailed communications we send to you, we actively share information to our Facebook and Twitter accounts and our new LinkedIn.  We encourage you to LIKE US, FOLLOW US and ENGAGE with us! #pabus

Have You Registered for the October 15th Marketplace Yet? 
GNJMA invited PBA to join their Marketplace October 15, 2020 at Caesars in Atlantic City.  Over 400 Group Leaders are already registered to attend.  This is a great opportunity to support tourism! 
PBA Member Benefits 
Are you aware of all of the benefits of membership?  Visit the Member Benefits section of our website to review them all.   
COVID-19 UPDATES AND INDUSTRY NEWS
STIMULUS PACKAGE ON-HOLD:  YOUR ACTION STILL NEEDED  
While Congress is on recess, we need everyone in Congress to back our industry. 
Reach out to your representatives today to tell them to support the CERTS Act. In PA, the following 9 House Reps co-sponsored the bill (HR 7642) so far:

Representative Cartwright, Matt
Representative Fitzpatrick, Brian K.
Representative Keller, Fred
Representative Kelly, Mike
Representative Lamb, Conor
Representative Reschenthaler, Guy
Representative Smucker, Lloyd
Representative Thompson, Glenn
Representative Wild, Susan

With 18 PA House Reps, we are half way there.  Sen. Bob Casey has co-sponsored the bill S 4150.  Sen. Pat Toomey has not co-sponsored yet.  
Coronavirus Relief Talks Paused Indefinitely 
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) urged senators via Twitter to quickly pass legislation ( S. 4150 (116)) that would provide $10 billion in emergency grants to the bus, motorcoach and passenger ferry industries.  Between 30 and 40% of the national bus network could disappear without financial relief, according to a bulletin issued by DePaul University's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development (article in next block below).  Read more...
Depaul University's Chaddick Institute Says COVID-19 Delivering a One-Two Punch to Nation's Bus Lines 
DePaul University's Chaddick Institute recently reported on the state of the industry in a bulletin to transportation professionals.  Read the bulletin.
FMCSA Updates
FMCSA Modifies and Extends National Emergency Declaration
The FMCSA declared that the continuing national emergency warrants the extension of Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002.  Read more... 

Have You Conducted Your Annual Queries Yet? 
Employers must conduct annual queries by January 5, 2021.  Read more...

Passenger Carrier No-Defect Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports
FMCSA rescinds the requirement that drivers of passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operating in interstate commerce submit, and motor carriers retain, driver-vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) when the driver has neither found nor been made aware of any vehicle defects or deficiencies (no-defect DVIRs).  Read the Final Rule.
PennDOT Announces Annual Highway Safety Survey
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking motorists' input on traffic safety and driving behaviors through its annual online Highway Safety Survey found at www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.
Pennsylvania to Zero Out Greenhouse Gas Emissions   
The District of Columbia and a coalition of states, including Pennsylvania, agreed to work collaboratively to move from dirty fossil fuel trucks towards zero-emission electric vehicles.  Read more...
Few are Satisfied with PA DOL UC Claims Processing   
Those who haven't received benefits yet are part of a shrinking group of Pennsylvanians that either have a pending resolution on their claim or have been deemed ineligible for benefits by the state.  Read more...
Stay Up to Date With Clearances for Background Checks   
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today encouraged anyone needing background checks as a condition of employment to complete this requirement as soon as they are able.  Read more...
CVSA Updates
CVSA's Standard Out-Of-Service Criteria Available Through New App
Moving forward, starting from 2019, all versions of the OOSC will be available in one location via the CVSA OOSC app. Read more...

CVSA's International Roadcheck Rescheduled for September, 9-11
The postponed International Roadcheck event has been rescheduled for Sept. 9-11. Read more...
MD Governor Announces All-Electronic Tolling Now Permanent at All MDTA Facilities Statewide   
Governor Larry Hogan announced that full-time all-electronic (cashless) tolling is now permanent across Maryland.  Read more...
NYC Imposes COVID-19 Checkpoints at Transit Hubs   
New York City would start implementing checkpoints across the five boroughs to help enforce Gov. Andrew Cuomo's quarantine order.  Read more...
New York Transit Installing Barriers on 5,800 Buses    
The MTA's New York City Transit is installing an innovative barrier across 4,800 local buses and 1,000 express buses.  Read more...
With 'Nobody Going to Work,' Private Bus Companies Are Worried
Industry Woes Highlighted by the New York Times:  One company has suspended all operations for the first time in 150 years. Others have drastically reduced service and are pleading for financial help from the federal government.  Read more...
The Safest Way to Travel in the US Now is by Car, Motorcoach or Virtually   
Experts agree that the safest way to travel after being pent up for months in quarantine and isolation is by private car or motorcoach.  Read more...
New England Bus Association Raising Campaign Contributions for Senators Collins and Reed     
The New England Bus Association (NEBA) is trying to raise some contributions for the campaigns of Senators Collins and Reed.  Join NEBA in contributing to their campaigns.
ICYMI- MEMBER ALERTS 
Member Alerts are sent out to our Members as needed.  Here is a sampling of what has been sent recently:
  • Last Call! PA Virtual Coalition Build to Stop Human Trafficking! 
  • Contact Your PA Rep for CERTS ACT and Gov Wolf Announces $96M for Small Business
  • CERTS Act, Updated CDC Guidelines, PA Youth Sports
  • Don't Miss These Upcoming Events! Register Today!
FROM OUR PBA OFFICES
PBA'S MAILING ADDRESS
As a reminder, we moved our offices last July.  Please make sure your databases have been update.  The mail-forwarding EXPIRED July 1st.  
ITEMS FOR SALE OR WANTED
Executive Coach, Fullington Trailways, Krapf Transportation, Mlaker Trailways, Trans-Bridge Lines and Wolf's Bus Lines have coaches and other items for sale now!
SUPPORT MOTORCOACH PAC

The Motorcoach PAC allows the Pennsylvania Bus Association to support legislators who work with us to promote, change or defeat legislation that impacts our industry. Contributing to Motorcoach PAC gives us a stronger voice in Harrisburg. Please consider giving $200, $300 or more.

Personal checks may be made payable and sent to:

Motorcoach PAC
200 North Third Street, Suite 1500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
 
Corporate funds are not permitted in any form. Unincorporated business checks are acceptable providing no owner or partner of the business is a corporation. Please contact Milliron & Goodman if you have any questions at (717) 232-5322. Political Action Committee donations are not tax deductible.

Download the solicitation form for more information.  


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