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5/14/2024

It's Your PBA GO News!

Archived Newsletters

MEMBER NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Historic Hudson Valley Joins PBA

Historic Hudson Valley is a not-for-profit education and preservation organization.


Their tours and events include Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, Union Church of Pocantico Hills, Washington Irving's Sunnyside home, Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills and Van Cortlandt Manor, historic school programs with their educators, an award winning tour program at Philipsburg Manor describing the impact of Slavery in the Colonial North, Pinkster celebration in the Spring, spectacular Fall foliage vantage points.


Their sites are only 45-60 minutes from New York City. Metro-North rail line provides public transportation from Manhattan to Hudson Valley locations.


They were referred to us from new member, Westchester County, NY Film & Tourism. Thank you!


Contact: Louise O'Rourke at 914 366-6900 or lorourke@hudsonvalley.org.

Benedict's Bus Service Assists in Committal Service

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PBA Member, Benedict's Bus Service, the official transportation provider for the 2024 PBA Annual Conference, had the honor of transporting, Donald "Andy" Lyman, who proudly served in the Marines and fought in Vietnam, to Arlington National Cemetary. Andy’s final wish was to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery and his family made that happen.


On Wednesday May 8th around 7:30am, the streets of Mansfield, PA were filled to honor Andy and his family as the bus departed.  

Watch the video!

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Museum of Bus Transportation Spring Fling

May 31-June 1, 2024

Save the Dates!

Download Flyer!

PBA is sponsoring the tent at the Spring Fling for folks to enjoy and take a rest!


2024 Annual Conference

June 17-20, 2024

Hosted by Visit Ithaca

Registration Open!


Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop

August 8, 2024

York Springs, PA

Save the Dates!


2025 Marketplace

March 24-25, 2025

Hosted by Discover Lancaster 

Save the Dates!


2025 Annual Conference

June 16-19, 2025

Hosted by Visit Richmond

Save the Dates!



Interested in Hosting a 2026 PBA Event? Please visit our 2026 event pages for a copy of the bid specs. Deadline is 1/1/25.

-2026 Marketplace

-2026 Annual Conference

Read the below testimonial from our 2023 Annual Conference host Andrew Nixon, Executive Director of PBA Member, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau:


“Hosting the 2023 PBA Annual Conference has been a truly fulfilling opportunity for our area. The event allowed us to demonstrate how well we can host a corporate sales function while also giving the wonderful Pennsylvania tour operator members of PBA a chance to experience our region first-hand. Working with PBA’s staff and members to bring their Annual Conference to Chautauqua County, NY has been one of the most beneficial things we could have done in terms of developing tour operator relationships”.

David Thomas Trailways Transports US Military Veterans to Washington DC

PBA Member, David Thomas Trailways had the honor of transporting over 300 United States Military Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as those who served from December 7, 1941, to February 28, 1991, with a law enforcement escort to Washington, DC on April 15 for the Tour of Honor.


The tour visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery for the changing of the guard and wreath-laying ceremony, the Air Force Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the World War II Memorial.

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Fullington Trailways Visits with Senator 

PBA Member, Fullington Trailways welcomed Senator Cris Dush to their State College facility on April 19th.


The Fullington Trailways team expressed gratitude to the Senator for his support of the transportation industry and also gave him an overview of the company and its rich history in the commonwealth.

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Trans-Bridge Lines Assists Community Fire Companies


PBA Member, Trans-Bridge Lines was proud to recently assist community fire companies at Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company in Lehighton. 


Brendan Stanczyk, Safety & Training Supervisor, drove a bus to the fire company to educate volunteers on the frame/skeleton of a bus, access points for entry & exit, & how to shut down a bus in an emergency situation.

We honor all fire company volunteers and thank them for taking the time out of their schedules to learn this important information to effectively serve their communities. Read the post and check out all the pictures! 

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New Flyer Sees Record Orders, but Delivery Challenges Remain


NFI Group, parent company of transit bus manufacturer New Flyer and PBA Member, MCI, “saw record orders” in the first quarter of this year, President and CEO Paul Soubry said on the company’s earnings call. Across North America, more than half of public bids are for zero-emission buses, but NFI deliveries of such vehicles last quarter accounted for about 18% of total new vehicle deliveries for the company, according to its financial results report. The industry’s struggle to deliver buses continues due to supply chain challenges, worker shortages and financial issues, with NFI reporting a record-high backlog valued at $11.7 billion. Read more...

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All Bollards Removed from National Constitution Center

Because of our discussions with PBA Member National Constitution Center (NCC), going back a few months, they have now removed all of the bollards from the bus lot for drop-off/pickup only; buses cannot park. See where buses can park after drop-off/pick-up by clicking here.

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PBA Scholarship Program - Application Period Closed!

We received sixteen (16) Scholarship application during the application open period, which closed on April 30th. The Scholarship Committee is in the process of reviewing each blind application. 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 and the scholarships will be awarded at PBA’s 2024 Annual Conference.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS!

2024 Annual Conference

Hotel Cut-off is May 17th and the Registration Deadline is May 24th!

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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.

Register Today!
Visit our Website
Book Hotel Online!

IMPORTANT DEADLINES 

May 17, 2024:

Hotel Cut-off

May 24, 2024:

Registration closes

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS!

We would like to extend our gratitude to all of our conference sponsors. Your generous support is instrumental in making this event a success! 

SAVE THE DATES!

Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop - August 8, 2024

The 11th Annual Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop is scheduled for August 8th at York Springs Fire Hall. Registration is opening May 15th!

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Marketplace - March 24-25, 2025

The 2025 Marketplace will be hosted by Discover Lancaster at Spooky Nook in Manheim, PA on Tuesday, March 25.


The educational session, networking reception, Board of Director's meeting, and setup will all occur the day before, Monday March 24.

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Annual Conference - June 16-19, 2025

The 2025 Annual Conference will be hosted by Visit Richmond in Glen Allen, VA!


While we will be experiencing the area with FAMS, Dine-Around Night and Opening & Closing venues at area partners, the meetings will be held at Virginia Crossings. Virginia Crossings is a AAA three-diamond resort that rests on 20 acres of open green space, with a campus featuring colonial architecture and luxurious landscaping. Just 10 miles north of Richmond and 20 minutes from Richmond International Airport, Virginia Crossings welcomes guests into a unique setting of incomparable service.


Please note our conference starts on a Monday vs. Sunday so Father's Day can be enjoyed with family and friends.

INDUSTRY AND COMMONWEALTH NEWS

Shapiro Administration, Transit, Business Leaders Highlight Importance of Public Transit to Pennsylvania’s Economy

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll joined Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association Executive Director Shawna Jones, South Central Transit Authority Executive Director Greg Downing, and Pennsylvania business leaders at the PPTA's annual conference to highlight public transit's contributions to the state's economy and how Governor Josh Shapiro's budget proposal supports those contributions. Read more...

Gov. Shapiro Leads Push for Safer Roads: PA Implements Cell Phone Ban

Pennsylvania is set to enact a comprehensive ban on cell phone use while driving, joining neighboring states in a move to curb distracted driving accidents. The bill, championed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, includes measures to collect data on traffic stops to address concerns about racial profiling. It passed both legislative chambers and will take effect a year after signing. Drivers can still make hands-free calls but face fines for handling their phones. Exceptions include emergency use and navigation. The legislation aims to save lives and improve road safety, marking a significant victory in combating distracted driving. Read more...

Secretary Buttigieg and Black Mayors Preview Transportation Projects Designed To Heal Historic Inequities

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined Black mayors from across the nation to preview the work his department is doing to bring transportation projects to their communities to correct historic wrongs. Read more...

DEA Proposal: Marijuana Rescheduling and Policy Implications

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.  Read more...

Final Rule: Restoring and Extending Overtime Protections

On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (Department) announced a final rule, Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees, which will take effect on July 1, 2024.  Read more...

FTC Issues Ban on Worker Non-Compete Clauses

The Federal Trade Commission voted Tuesday to adopt a near-total ban on noncompete provisions that prohibit workers from switching jobs within an industry, a rule the Chamber of Commerce vowed to immediately challenge in court. Read more...

US DOT Launches Connect to Capital: Empowering Small Businesses 

The US Department of Transportation's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) introduces US DOT Connect to Capital, a vital component of the Access to Capital Initiative aiding small businesses in accessing private equity capital. This online portal connects Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), and investors licensed by the SBA's Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program. It facilitates direct interaction between investors and businesses seeking investments, enhancing opportunities for growth and business expansion. Read more...

FMCSA New Motor Carrier Registration Process Comment Period Open

FMCSA requests approval for a new ICR titled “FMCSA Registration System (FRS)”. FMCSA is replacing its Unified Registration System (URS), with a new, online registration system, which will be named the “FMCSA Registration System” (FRS). Submit your comments by June 18. Read more...

FMCSA Denies Company’s Exemption for Under-21 Pilot Program

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has denied a trucking company’s request to let it use under-21 commercial learner’s permit holders for the agency’s apprenticeship pilot program. Read more...

Congestion Pricing Begins June 30, 2024

Starting June 30, 2024, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan — local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street — will be charged a toll. Read more...

Commuter Bus Exemption Plan

Buses enrolled in the Commuter Bus Exemption Plan (CoBEP) are exempt from the Congestion Relief Zone toll. Read more...

Real ID Deadline Firm: 2025 Compliance

Starting May 7, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security will enforce Real ID for federal purposes, including airport security. This law, established in response to the 9/11 attacks, mandates higher security standards for state-issued IDs. Read more..

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!

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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Email Diana Kowalski!

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