On Saturday, June 10^th, PBA held another celebration for their 100^th anniversary. This time it was during the Bus Museum’s Annual Spring Fling in Hershey, PA.

Under a large tent filled with tables and chairs, there was a steady flow of friends, members and curious bus enthusiasts throughout the afternoon. We offered cold water, freshly popped popcorn, Turkey Hill ice cream, Hershey 50^th anniversary-themed chocolate bars and a delicious cake in the shape of a bus (and cupcakes).  Our 100^th anniversary video created last year ran on a large monitor on loop, and we displayed archives on a table. A scavenger hunt yield prizes for correct submissions. Generous attendees participated in our Scholarship 50/50, too. Kristy Fasano of Bailey Coach won the raffle, and donated her winnings back to the association. Thank you, Kristy! The afternoon ended with a bus trip to Hershey’s Chocolate World (HCW) for some fun at their new attraction, Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition. 

A special thank you to the following folks who helped with the event:

• John Bailey of Bailey Coach – transportation, water, tables and chairs, and general help.
• Kim Dolly of The Turkey Hill Experience – ice cream, freezer, popcorn machine and general help.
• Lois Brubaker of Ohio Star Theatre and Dave Gerdes of Happy Valley Adventure Bureau – organizing the scavenger hunt, prizes and general help.
• Vaughn Crouse of Explore York - delivering the amazing cake.
• Julie Payne of Hershey’s Chocolate World – chocolate bars and admission to HCW’s new attraction.
• The Bus Museum for hosting us!

On June 13, PBA sent a letter to lend support for House Bill 1162 - Removing the State Police from the Motor License Fund to the House Appropriations Chairmen, Jordan Harris and Seth Grove. Read the letter.

On June 15, PBA sent a letter to lend support for Senate Bill 656 - Electric Vehicle Road Use Fee to Senators Joe Pittman and Jay Costa. Read the letter.

Have you Contacted Your Senators and Representatives Yet?

Senators. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Tax Exemption Act in the Senate (S.1944). S.1944 is companion legislation to the House bill (H.R. 3510) re-introduced in May.

Bill H.R. 3510, reintroduction of a bill that would eliminate the tax burden for those who received CERTS Act money during the pandemic, was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means after being sponsored by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.). The bill has since garnered the support of Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Jared Golden (R-Maine), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and John Rose (R-Tenn.).

We need your help to advocate for our industry! Please contact your Senators and ask them to support S. 1944 and contact your Representatives and ask them to support H.R. 3510. Below are two easy forms that will only take a few minutes of your time to complete.

Today, we are on-site at the beautiful Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Jamestown, NY, the home of Lucille Ball! Stay tuned for an Annual Conference recap in the next GoNews. In the meantime, check out our social media posts on Facebook and LinkedIn by searching these hashtags: #pabus #PBArollsinto100 #PBA2023AnnualConference

Thank you to our amazing 2023 Annual Conference Sponsors! Scroll to the bottom to see a listing.

Registration is open for the 10th Annual PBA Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop scheduled for August 16, 2023.

This year's sessions have been designed to address issues that a variety of our motorcoach members are seeking. Motorcoach owners and their key staff will be able to pick and choose which topics are most relevant to their job responsibilities. Get more information and register today!

PBA is joining New England Bus, Connecticut Bus, Greater New Jersey Motorcoach, New York Bus and Mass Bus on September 6, 2023 at the Spa at the Norwich Inn, Norwich, CT. The content will include presentations that affect the collective association members from CARB 24 to knowing your rights when pulled over by the police. Sponsor opportunities available. Click here for more information and to register. If questions, please give us a call at the PBA office.

Marketplace - March 25-26, 2024

The 2024 Marketplace will be hosted by Happy Valley Adventure Bureau at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre in State College, PA on Tuesday, March 26.

Annual Conference - June 17-20, 2024

The 2024 Annual Conference will be hosted by Visit Ithaca in Ithaca, NY! 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 Hotel Ithaca. The beautiful, renovated Hotel Ithaca is located in the heart of downtown Ithaca and is less than 1 mile from both Cornell University and Ithaca College.

Shapiro Administration Provides Update on I-95 Response

The Shapiro Administration, the City of Philadelphia, and federal partners continue to respond to the partial collapse of Interstate 95 between Exits 30 and 32 in Philadelphia. The interstate remains closed in both directions in this area. All levels of government continue to coordinate efforts to repair and reopen the roadway safely and as efficiently as possible. Read more...

Suspension of Enforcement of the PA Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program

The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) announced that the Department will suspend enforcement of 25 Pa. Code Chapter 126, Subchapter E (relating to Pennsylvania Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program) until January 2, 2026. Read more...

New Website Maps Out 32,000 Infrastructure Projects

The White House on June 6 launched a website to map and track tens of thousands of infrastructure projects and private manufacturing investments. Read more...

DOT Seeks Comments on Its National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan 

The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking public input to aid it in updating DOT’s National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan (NTTISP). DOT will consider input and the comments received in the development of the NTTISP. Comments are due by July 17. Submit your comments.

Get the Latest News From FMCSA About the ELD Rule

Electronic logging devices increase the accuracy of recording a driver’s hours of service. Learn more about how this technology is helping improve highway safety. Read more...

FMCSA Wants More Regulation of Tests for New CDL Drivers

Safeguards needed before making COVID-related waiver permanent, agency says. Read more...

Innovators Are Bringing Trains and Buses Into the 21st Century 

Travelers worldwide want to purchase and manage ground transport tickets digitally, same as they typically can for flights and hotels. The industry is finally starting to respond. Read more...

ICYMI

Alerts, Invitations, Press Releases, and more are sent out to our Members as needed. Here are the emails we sent out since last Go News below.

• Contact Your Senators and Ask Them To Support S. 1944
• ICYMI! 2023 PBA Annual Conference Know Before You Go Information Within!
• Register Today for the PBA 10th Annual Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop!