|
Lancaster Silverball Retro Arcade Joins PBA
Lancaster Silverball is the perfect place to host your group event with delicious food and drink, pinball and classic arcade games, including skeeball, basketball and video games.
Contact: Deirdre Stevens at 717-358-9871 or dstevens@lancasterstormers.com.
| |
|
Fullington Trailways: Bus lines’ Schedules Evolving to Serve Public
PBA Member, Fullington Trailways wants to connect people from all over and integrate with other methods of travel. “Fullington wants to do everything possible to get people from doorstep to doorstep,” said Chris Springer, director of human resources and general manager of the Fullington Auto Bus Company, Fullington Trailways. There are currently 10 routes in the state of Pennsylvania, seven of which are Fullington, with three routes by Greyhound, he said. Read more...
| |
|
Max Felty, Gettysburg Tours, Honored by Destination Gettysburg
Max Felty has been honored as the 2024 recipient of PBA Member, Destination Gettysburg’s Jim Getty "Spirit of Gettysburg" Award, exemplifying leadership and dedication as a champion of the Adams County tourism industry. Congratulations!
As president of PBA Member Gettysburg Tours Inc., Max oversees Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours, Gettysburg Group Reservations, the Gettysburg Tour Center, Ghostly Images of Gettysburg, and the Jennie Wade House Museum. Check it out!
| |
|
25 Ways You Might Be Driving Distracted
In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, PBA Member Rohrer Bus shared this popular article on their website which goes through a bunch of behaviors that shockingly count as distracted driving! Read more...
| |
|
Sandy Borowsky Named the Women in Tourism Tour Operator Honoree
PBA Member, Starr Bus Charter & Tours recently announced that PBA Board Member, "Sandy Borowsky has been named the Women in Tourism Tour Operator honoree! This prestigious award celebrates female leaders who inspire memorable travel experiences and have made a positive impact on the tourism industry. Sandy's dedication and leadership have truly set her apart, and we couldn't be more proud to have her at the helm of Starr. Congratulations!
As part of the Women In Tourism Awards program, a scholarship will be established for a NYC High School student from NAF’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, and college hospitality and tourism students will be hosted at the luncheon on May 29th." Read the post.
| |
|
ABC Companies - Van Hool Press Statement
PBA Member, ABC Companies has been officially notified that the VDL Group is the successful bidder for the Van Hool motorcoach division. In anticipation of a quick restart, and while the details of the next steps are still unfolding, ABC Companies is committed to ensuring that the transition will be as smooth as possible for our customers. ABC Companies will provide more information as it becomes available.
| |
|
Patti Lloyd from Cape Cod Chamber/CVB, Honored
Patti Lloyd, a dedicated advocate for Cape Cod tourism, from PBA Member Cape Cod Chamber/CVB was honored with the Larry D. Meehan Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism. Congratulations!
Govenor Maura Healey and Kate Fox of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism presented the award to Patti, recognizing her significant contributions to the state’s tourism industry. Read more...
| |
|
|
Bollards Removed from National Constitution Center Bus Lot
Good news, because of our discussions with PBA Member, the National Constitution Center (NCC) going back a few months, we were able to get a few of the bollards removed from the bus lot!
Timothy Winkis, NCC Director of Operations advised they removed bollards from the first three spots and installed curb protectors, see images below. This is only for drop-off/pick-up and this is a test to see how well this works.
Get detailed parking information for after drop-off/pick-up here.
| |
|
Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism Featured in Destinations Magazine
With four seasons of captivating adventures, Pigeon Forge, TN, has unlimited itinerary possibilities for groups of every age and interest. Hear what the team at PBA Member Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism has to say about the exciting attractions, dining, lodging, shopping, and entertainment options in the March/April issue of Destinations.
| |
|
PBA Scholarship Program - Application Period is Open Until April 30
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. The scholarship will be awarded at PBA’s 2024 Annual Conference. Application Deadline: April 30, 2024.
| |
|
|
2024 Post-Marketplace Survey Gift Card Winner
We take your feedback seriously! Thank you to everyone that submitted your thoughts on the 2024 Marketplace. As communicated, we randomly pulled a number from the first 20 submissions to win a gift card. And the winner is......Andrew Marks from Lynchburg, VA Economic Development & Tourism. Congratulations!
| |
|
|
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.
| |
|
PBA Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop
We are starting the planning process for the 11th Annual PBA Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop and we are looking for your input on topics.
As a guideline for topics, the following were presented at our 2023 workshop:
- Camera Use Discussion – The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
- Mechanic's Roundtable Discussion (DEF: Basic After Treatment System & a facilitated conversation with Mechanics to share best practices and common challenges.)
- ADA Compliance
- Branding & Marketing Your Company
| |
What are your thoughts for the workshop? | Please take a few minutes to let us know your thoughts by submitting your input. | |
|
District Lobby Week April 22-26
As previously announced, PBA is doing a District Lobby Week with local House members and Senators, during the week of April 22-26, 2024.
We held a Pre-Lobby Week prep call on March 28th where our lobbying firm, One+ Strategies and Senator Greg Rothman shared what is needed for a successful lobby week and to educate you on the process. They gave pointers on scheduling the meetings, how to prepare for the meetings and suggested post-meeting follow-up.
| | |
|
The goal of the District Lobby Week is to highlight your operations and the impact you have on your local community and the Commonwealth.
As you know, tourism is a huge industry in Pennsylvania, and your motorcoach operations play a major role in helping the tourism industry thrive.
| |
2024 Annual Conference - Registration Deadline is May 24! | |
|
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.
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.
Note, Exhibitors who attended the 2024 Marketplace, can get discounted pricing for the Annual Conference using the Marketplace promo code.
| | |
|
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
April 24, 2024: Last day to use Marketplace Exhibitor promo code.
May 3, 2024: Sponsorship ad/artwork is due.
May 17, 2024: Hotel Cut-off
May 24, 2024: Registration closes
| |
|
Sponsorships yield some nice benefits to increase your visibility while supporting our mission. We have a few Diamond, Gold and Silver Sponsorships still available. Supporter Sponsorships & Program Ads are unlimited! If you are interested in one of these sponsorships, you can select it on your registration form.
View sponsorships and the benefits of each sponsor level and then when registering, select it on your registration form. Diamond and Platinum sponsorships include two complimentary conference registrations as a sponsor benefit!
| |
THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS! | |
INDUSTRY AND COMMONWEALTH NEWS | |
|
Shapiro Administration Announces $20 Million in Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced $20 million in investments for Round 1A of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. Pennsylvania was one of the first states to open a NEVI-funded charging station in December 2023, and the Shapiro Administration is moving efficiently to drive out federal funding and build critical transportation infrastructure ahead of other states. This funding represents another step in the Shapiro Administration's commitment to combatting climate change and providing Pennsylvanians with transportation options that are cleaner, safer, more affordable, and more reliable. Read more...
| |
|
April 23 Pennsylvania Primary: What You Need to Know
As the political landscape gears up for the Pennsylvania primary, voters across the state are gearing up to make their voices heard in the 2024 Primary Election. Read more...
| |
|
FMCSA Has Rejected 34% of Under-21 Truck Driver Applications
Federal regulators have updated Congress on an FMCSA pilot program to recruit teen drivers, and the results are bleak. Read more...
| |
|
Navigating Hours-of-Service: Insights from FMCSA's Key Bridge Information Session
The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) held an information session discussing the emergency relief measures in response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Representatives from FMCSA provided detailed insights into the emergency relief measures applicable to motor carriers and commercial motor vehicle drivers, focusing on hours-of-service regulations for carriers involved in recovery efforts and those affected by diverted shipments. Read more...
| |
|
April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash. Read more...
| |
|
FMCSA's Our Roads, Our Safety Week is Scheduled for May 5-11
The Our Roads, Our Safety Week is a national, annual safety observance dedicated to raising awareness on how to share the road safely with large trucks and buses. Together with the larger safety community, FMCSA is committed to sharing safety tips, resources, and materials that help improve road safety and reach zero roadway deaths. Read more...
| |
|
CVSA’s International Roadcheck is Scheduled for May 14-16
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 14-16. International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Read more...
| |
|
CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week Is Scheduled for July 7-13
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced July 7-13 as the dates for this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, which is a safe-driving enforcement and outreach initiative aimed at improving driving behaviors through educational and traffic-enforcement strategies and driver interactions with law enforcement. Read more...
| |
|
Transportation Routing for Commercial Motor Vehicles in Maryland
The Maryland Transportation Department has the most up-to-date traffic alerts and information regarding transportation routes and detours in and around Baltimore, Md. Read more...
| |
|
Celebrate National Park Week from April 20 through 28
During National Park Week, experience the beauty of natural surroundings, explore the country’s rich heritage, and engage your senses in all things national parks. The celebration begins with an entrance fee-free day on April 20 and continues through April 28. Pick a place and activity, keep a safe distance from any wild animals, and enjoy a full week of special events. Read more...
| |
|
Perverted Maintenance… Death by Dustball
Industry icon, Dave Millhouser writes "Modern coaches have a great deal of “backup” built into critical systems. Brake systems are designed so that if part fails, the rest picks up most of the slack. Many buses have more than one alternator, and several HVAC condenser fan motors. Gee, unlike some modern cars, buses carry spare tires." Read more...
| |
|
Interested in Joining a PBA Committee?
PBA has seven active, volunteer-based committees in the areas of Executive, Annual Conference, Ethics. Legislative & Advocacy, Marketplace, Membership and Nominating.
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.
| |
|
PBA maintains active Social Media Platforms. In addition to the emailed communications we send to you, we actively share information to our platforms. We encourage you to LIKE US, FOLLOW US and ENGAGE with us! #pabus | | | | |
