SAFETEA LU Legislation Contains Industry Requests

We asked for it and we got it! The President signed SAFETEA LU legislation in August that includes a long list of financial support and positive changes for the motorcoach industry. These changes, championed by the ABA and its members in successful lobbying efforts begun in 2001, include over $500 million in funding sources for programs ranging from a first-ever bus intermodal facility program and increased ADA wheelchair lift funding to rural bus program funding. In addition, the legislation will mandate enhanced safety measures and stronger enforcement of unfair competition from transit agencies.

Thanks goes out to everyone in the industry who worked to insure positive change for the motorcoach industry in this historic legislation. Thanks to our partners in the United Motorcoach Association, the California Bus Association, and other members of the Private Passenger Transportation Coalition for their efforts in helping to insure fair competition from transit agencies and stronger private participation in transportation services and charters.

THUD NHTSA Language from House Report 110-238

Here's a summary of funding programs and changes that will be enacted between now and 2009:

Charter Rules
Stronger enforcement of the charter rules helping prevent unfair competition from heavily subsidized transit agencies.

Transit Competition
New language to prevent transit agencies from linking together to perform regional intercity bus service.

Private Enterprise Participation
New rules mandating that transit agencies must encourage the participation of the private sector to the maximum extent feasible.

Intermodal Funding
$175 million in funding is specifically earmarked for intermodal bus terminals and the industry is assured new access to the larger federal discretionary grant program for bus facilities.

ADA Funding
$39.1 million in funding for wheelchair lifts for buses.

Rural Funding
$293 million in funds for the rural over-the-road bus program, 5311(f).

Axle Weights Excemptions
Federal exemption of bus axle weight limits through 2009.

Planning
A mandate for states to consult with the private bus industry in planning.

Destination Inspections
Language to deter enforcement officers from conducting dangerous roadside inspections of buses in favor of safer, more customer-friendly destination inspections.

Safety, Safety and More Safety:

• Federal rules will now apply to all interstate operators (bringing interstate vans under this rule);
• Operating authority will be denied to operators with a history of unsafe operations;
• Safer drivers thanks to new standards for those medical examiners that certifythem fit for service;
• Minimum financial responsibility standards for all private operators; and
• A review of Canadian and Mexican manufactured vehicles for compliance with US safety standards.

Unified Carrier Registration
SAFETEA-LU establishes a new registration system that, once the rules are publicized (expected to be in January 2007), will mean lower fees, simplified paperwork, and more funds directed to safety enforcement. ABA has developed a helpful one page fact-sheet on this for our operator members.