Sample Operator Letter To Congress On Charter Rules

ABA member Connie Buck of Eyre Bus in Glenelg, Maryland, has graciously agreed to share with other operators her letter to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) regarding the enforcement of the charter regulations. ABA urges operators domiciled in Maryland to write to Congressman Hoyer, and for those operators outside of Maryland to write both Hoyer and their respective U.S. House Members. Ms. Buck's letter ideally would serve as a general sample letter that other operators can tailor and customize for their Members of Congress. Please direct any questions to ABA's Bethany Field, bfield@buses.org [1] or 800-283-2877.

Dear Member of Congress:

As you may know, the public transit charter regulations, as created by Congress, have been in statute since 1973 - 35 years. What has recently been released is the first major revision to the rules in 20 years. The regulations have been abused for so many years - negatively impacting private operators…and in some cases forcing private operators out of business. However, in its wisdom Congress finally came together to provide FTA the ability to adequately enforce the regulations thereby preventing public transit operators from using taxpayer dollars to unfairly compete with private operators. To develop revised regulations, Congress mandated a negotiated rule making proceeding in which public and private operators came together and worked out the majority of the revisions. WMATA was represented by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

In your desire to promote the Redskins, we understand that you are promoting changes to the regulations that undermine the intent of the rules, again using taxpayer dollars and resources to promote the Redskins - another private organization. As a Maryland constituent with employees and customers throughout Maryland, and an employer of 125+ employees we plead with you to distance yourself from this issue and permit the revised regulations to work.

Sincerely,

Name, Title, Company