BISC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2009

Attendees:

Chris Crean Norm Littler Charles Corder Clyde Hart Mike McDonal Bethany Field Stan Turbyfill Al Fleming Wes Pemble	Kirby Parnell Dan Tomlinson Alan Smith Stephen Evans Pete Worthington Dave Carroll Tami Dion Denny Bertrand

Meeting was called to order at 9am by Chris Crean, Chairman

Review and acceptance of previous minutes
Al Fleming motioned Clyde Hart seconded
Minutes approved

Council Report        Clyde Hart

Clyde administered the meeting disclaimer

1. NTSA's push for seat belts in coaches will likely be proposed in the fall asking for a 3-point belt. The G force requirement has not yet been determined. Also no report from NTSA on retrofitting coaches.
2. NTSA also looking at roof crush, fire on coaches as well as entrance and egress issues in emergencies
3. Charter rule revision - transits are trying to have the ruling changed back. Problems stemming from the Rose Bowl this year in that companies were not allowed to bid on the transportation.
4. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – would hear comment on the Charter rule. Clyde encouraged all to go to the ABA website and download and personalize the letter and send to local representatives. Clyde further stated that the staff on the Hill is in favor of keeping the rule intact.
5. CVSA issues – CVSA has taken issue with our industry and wants to add roadside inspection into the reauthorization package. CVSA feels as though this impedes their ability to enforce on the highways. The industry feels as though there is a lack of enforcement in areas and CVSA is using that as a springboard to reinstate roadside en route inspections. CVSA is also calling for seat belts on coaches.
6. Overweight citations in MD and VA (overweight exemption for coaches) 24k per axle ruling.
7. Reauthorization will be late due to funding shortfalls – approximately $500B over 6 years.

Chris Crean

1. Discussed their ADA audit and DOJ reporting
2. DOT reviewed the maintenance program and training records for all ADA categories.
3. DOT is auditing the large fixed route carriers first
4. Project action possible development of ADA training materials

Al Fleming

1. The NJ Motor Vehicle Administration is trying to shut down the bus inspection unit. Please write to the NJMVA and support the bus unit staying intact.
2. The GNJMCA has not taken any action towards this issue.
3. Al also shared that a charter BISC member passed away last month.

Norm Littler

1. Review the request for action. This was sent from Norm on a request of action from the NTSB regarding the Mexican Hat, UT accident in January 2008.
2. Request was forwarded to Human Performance.
3. Larry Yohe, long time friend to the industry and investigator in the Mexican Hat incident is no longer with NTSB.
4. A review of all Committee Chairs shows that all committees are in good working order and we have a strong attendance of over 85 registered for this summer meeting.
5. The new EHS committee led by Stan Turbyfill is looking for a Vice Chair.
6. Norm proposed an award be created by the BISC to honor someone that promotes motorcoach safety and have it as a memorial award for Vinny.

Chris Crean

1. Wants to better promote the BISC through additional marketing and logo change.
2. Have a new logo that incorporates ABA within it.
3. BISC has evolved from a 1 man show to what it is today
4. In the integration of the ABA logo we need to be aware that BISC is open to the entire industry not just ABA members.

General Business

1. The BISC needs to look at developing new products for the industry and better market the current ones we have completed, i.e. the back injury training videos.
2. The Exec would like to set up and ad hoc committee to work with ABA to better market the BISC.
3. The September Issue of Bus Ride Magazine will feature the BISC
4. Clyde Hart asked what can BISC create to fulfill a need to the entire industry
5. Mike McDonal proposed doing a seminar at the 2010 Marketplace in response to the NTSB request to educate tour operators about the rules and regulations for our industry as well as the lifestyle of our drivers
6. Tami Dion suggested a “ night out “ to promote the BISC
7. Sell to the ABA Board the importance of their presence at BISC
8. Consider placing a “ Recommended by BISC” logo on Company websites
9. Have a larger presence in the Marketplace Pavilion
10. Consider an infomercial on BISC on the ABA website

New Business

1. 150 members of the BISC over 100 are from bus operators
2. The First Observer program will be replacing Highway Watch program and we will have a presentation here at BISC on the program
3. Stan Turbyfill Chair of the EHS has developed a mission statement and charter
4. Norm then challenged all committees to do the same
5. Norm will be attending the National Chiefs of Police Conference in Buffalo
6. Norm will be discussing causation studies that show most crashes involved moving violations
7. These drivers had histories of bad habits and want the COPs to increase moving violation enforcement through a National enforcement effort
8. The DOT website now has 7 training videos available
9. Dave Carroll was at the NTSB presentation in NJ where acting Chairman Rosenker stated, “If you don’t buy a coach with seatbelts you are not providing the best safety for your passengers.” Clyde was also in attendance and stated that Rosenker disclaimed the statement as a personal one and not from the Board.
10. NTSA continues with the seat belt issue and has not had a new Administrator named to date.
11. Anne Ferro form Maryland has been nominated to be the next FMCSA Administrator. Mike McDonal has contacted her and will set up meetings with her and industry officials once she is in office.
12. Debbie Hersman has been nominated to be the next Chair of the NTSB
13. Canada is doing sled tests and this summer will be doing roll over tests
14. A request was made to link the Canadian website to the ABA website for jurisdictional information.
15. Chris Crean led a team building getting to know you exercise

Meeting was adjourned at 1130 am

Respectfully submitted

Mike McDonal
Secretary