|
Renewal Time Approaching!
Reminder! Invoices for renewal were emailed last month and are due in two weeks; October 1.
Is your member profile accurate? We are starting to prepare the 2025 Membership Directory for print. To make sure your member profile is accurate, we kindly ask you to review it promptly and make updates by October 15.
- All Members, ensure all your information is current.
- Operators, also make sure your vehicle count is current in your member profile including your Tour & Charter Rep contacts.
Login to the Member Portal (You must first be listed as a contact in your company's member profile and have created a user account) to get a copy of your invoice, if needed, and review/update your member profile.
View the instructions on how to update your profile. Please contact us if you need assistance.
| |
|
Rodney Surber Named COO of Greyhound
Flix North America recently appointed Rodney Surber as PBA Member Greyhound's Chief Operating Officer (COO), a significant move reflecting the company's commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth. With nearly 30 years of experience at Greyhound, Surber most recently served as Vice President of Operations. Read more...
| |
|
Starr Tours Welcomes Anthony Tkaczuk as Senior Operations Manager
PBA Member Starr Bus Charter and Tours is thrilled to announce the addition of Anthony Tkaczuk as their Senior Operations Manager. With a background in transportation safety and logistics from industry giants like Amazon and H&M, Anthony brings a wealth of expertise to their team.
In his role, Anthony will oversee the daily operations of their motorcoach drivers, ensuring seamless and efficient journeys for our passengers. His responsibilities will include managing and supporting their existing team of Drivers as well as onboarding and training new Drivers to maintain Starr’s high standards of service and safety.
“We are excited to welcome Anthony to the Starr family,” said Pete Borowsky, President of Starr Tours. “His extensive expertise in transportation safety and logistics will be instrumental as we continue to prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our customers. We are confident that his leadership will elevate our operational efficiency and drive our ongoing success.”
Anthony Tkaczuk’s appointment is part of Starr’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences. As they expand their offerings, his expertise will play a vital role in fostering a safe and reliable environment for their customers and team members.
| |
|
Trans-Bridge Lines Expands Fleet
PBA Member, Trans-Bridge Lines has taken delivery of four new MCI J4500 buses. The buses join the Trans-Bridge fleet for a total of 32 motorcoaches.
Three of the buses will be integrated into the company’s New York City line run service. Each of three white commuter buses, 481, 482, and 483, can comfortably accommodate up to 60 passengers and offers the bus industry’s largest interior floor, and best-in-class legroom for a pleasant passenger experience.
The fourth silver motorcoach will be utilized for the company’s Charter Division. The bus, 422, seats 56 passengers and made its debut during Musikfest 2024, transporting passengers to and from the popular music festival.
The buses’ Cummins X12 clean-diesel engines make the most of every gallon by integrating fuel-efficient technologies. Per passenger, the coaches offer lower emissions than any current hybrid car. This is a great example of what makes buses the most environmentally friendly form of public transportation. Read the press release.
|  | |
|
Miller's Smorgasbord Celebrating 95 Years!
PBA Member Miller’s Smorgasbord, which is best known for offering a vast variety of home-cooked meals that are steeped in Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, has announced that they are officially celebrating 95 years of operation.
“As we celebrate 95 years, we are reminded of the deep roots and rich traditions that have made Miller’s Smorgasbord a cherished part of Lancaster County. It’s an honor to continue the legacy that began with Enos and Anna Miller, serving up the same hearty, home-cooked meals that have brought generations of families together. We look forward to the next 95 years of sharing our love for great food and warm hospitality with all who walk through our doors,” Tom Neely, CEO said. Congratulations! Read more...
| |
|
PBA Members Partner to Launch ELD Data Integration Software
PBA Members Saucon Technologies and The Bus Network have partnered with Initek Consulting to develop a new API connection that streamlines data integration between electronic logging devices (ELD) and operations software in the charter bus industry.
The integration aims to simplify data flow for Saucon users by linking ELD compliance data with key tools such as payroll, billing, and compliance systems. In addition to transmitting vehicle location, users can now access driver logs, mileage data, and state-based mileage information required for IFTA reporting.
The partnership offers operators the chance to take full advantage of their data in real-time.
“This update allows our users to connect operational software with ELD compliance data more efficiently,” said Mike McDonal, Saucon’s Director of Regulatory Compliance and Industry Relations. Read more...
| |
|
PBA at ABA Marketplace in PHL!!
As you may be aware, the ABA Marketplace will be in Philly February 1-4, 2025…in our home state! PBA secured a booth and we are looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please sign-up below.
Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on SignUp: https://signup.com/go/iUuQMpZ
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on SignUp)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - SignUp will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Pattie Cowley and she can sign you up manually.
| |
|
Find a PBA Operator!
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation with someone searching for a PBA operator in your area? Visit our new webpage that simplifies the process of locating our operator members. Our online directory is now complemented by this convenient visual tool, providing a quick and easy way to locate PBA operators in a region. Be sure to check out our webpage for a seamless operator search experience!
| |
|
Pay It Foward Program! Submit Your Referrals by the Deadline!
As a PBA member, when you refer a new member to PBA, they will receive 15% off their first year's dues using promo code 15OFF.
As the referrer, you will also receive 15% off your next renewal with the Pay It Forward program.
Let's grow together and make a difference!
-
Click the Refer button in your member portal by logging in and completing the short form and we will do the rest!
-
Alternatively, you can share the application link and promo code with organizations that you feel will benefit from PBA membership: www.pabus.org/Join-PBA. Make sure to tell your referral to enter your name and company in the field on the application form and share the promo code 15OFF with them.
The deadline is September 30, 2024!
| |
|
PBA Member Testimonials - We Would Love Yours!
Read what some Members have to say about what PBA Membership means to them! We would love your testimonial too, click here to submit yours.
| |
|
Webinar: Be Prepared to BUY or SELL - Industry M&A Update
PBA is hosting a webinar, facilitated by Ken Lucci, of PBA Member DrivingTransactions.com,
that will demystify the process and to discuss how to prepare your business to be either a successful buyer or well-prepared seller with an effective exit plan. We will discuss the current market, valuation criteria and M&A activity in the motorcoach sector, how to overcome challenges and be well prepared for either eventuality.
| |
|
DATE: September 24th
TIME: 10:00 AM
COST: $0.00
| |
|
Attention PBA Operators and Tour Planners! Learn How Marketplace Helps Your Group Charter Business!
If you have not typically participated in our annual Group Leader Marketplace but are interested in potentially bringing a bus of Group Leaders to our 2025 PBA Marketplace, we have a meeting designed just for YOU!
Experienced Marketplace Board and Committee members are hosting an information session. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of participating in Marketplace, and get your questions answered.
| |
|
DATE: September 26th
TIME: 2:00 PM
COST: $0.00
| |
|
Registration is Open!
The 2025 Marketplace will be hosted by Discover Lancaster at Spooky Nook in Manheim, PA on Tuesday, March 25.
Monday, March 24 will be set-up day for exhibitors, a Best Practices Roundtable discussion for Marketplace attendees, PBA’s Board of Director meeting and an evening reception for all!
Tuesday, March 25 will be the main event, our Group Leader Marketplace at Spooky Nook located at 75 Champ Blvd. Manheim, PA.
| | |
|
Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your destination by securing your booth with early bird pricing ($100 discount!) - but hurry, this offer expires on October 31 (see pricing note)!
Pricing Note: Early bird registration ends October 31, save $100 off your booth! If you attended our 2024 Annual Conference in Ithaca, NY this year, the special pricing promo code for $100 off your booth will be active starting November 1, 2024. The value is $100 off your booth, so don’t forget to apply the code if registering after October 31.
| |
|
Annual Conference June 16-19, 2025
Save the Dates!
The 2025 Annual Conference will be hosted by Visit Richmond! We will be experiencing the area with FAMS, Dine-Around Night and Opening & Closing venues at area partners.
| |
|
|
Interested in Hosting a 2026 PBA Event?
Please visit our 2026 event pages for a copy of the bid specs. The submission deadline is 1/1/25.
| |
|
Read the below testimonial from our 2023 Annual Conference host Andrew Nixon, Executive Director of PBA Member, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau:
“Hosting the 2023 PBA Annual Conference has been a truly fulfilling opportunity for our area. The event allowed us to demonstrate how well we can host a corporate sales function while also giving the wonderful Pennsylvania tour operator members of PBA a chance to experience our region first-hand.
Working with PBA’s staff and members to bring their Annual Conference to Chautauqua County, NY has been one of the most beneficial things we could have done in terms of developing tour operator relationships”.
| |
INDUSTRY AND COMMONWEALTH NEWS | |
|
Shapiro Administration Enhances 511PA Website and Mobile App for Penn State Football Travel Planning
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) encourages motorists traveling to Penn State home football games this season to plan their trip using the enhanced real-time travel information available on a specialized web page on PennDOT's traveler information website, 511PA.com. The page continues Governor's Shapiro's commitment to providing digital services that are responsive, user-friendly, and accessible to every Pennsylvanian. Read more...
| |
|
Shapiro Administration's Response to I-95 Collapse Named America's Transportation Awards Finalist
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that its response to the collapse of the bridge carrying Interstate 95 over Cottman Avenue in northeast Philadelphia last year has been named one of the Top 12 finalists in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) 2024 America's Transportation Awards competition. Read more...
| |
|
Philadelphia Councilmembers Urge State To Provide Additional Funding for SEPTA Amid Budget Shortfall
City leaders in Philadelphia said they have 240 million reasons to be concerned about SEPTA's future. That number represents the amount of money the transit agency is short in its operating budget. SEPTA said fares could increase by 30% and service could be cut by 20% by early next year if lawmakers don't act. Read more...
| |
|
Pennsylvania Gas Stations, Grocery Stores Can Get Permits To Sell High Noon, Other “Ready-To-Drink” Cocktails
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is beginning a new permitting process, after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law two bills expanding where "ready-to-drink cocktails" can be sold (oh, and extending the legal limits on happy hour). Read more...
| |
|
FY 2025 Unified Carrier Registration Fees
On June 17, the FMCSA published a final rule (including a fee schedule at the end) setting the 2025 Registration Year fees for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program. The fees for 2025 will be about 25% more than in 2024. All states must enforce UCR requirements, whether or not a member state participant. The UCR applies to all motor carriers required to register with FMCSA, including operators in Canada and Mexico. The 2025 UCR registration period will begin on October 1, 2024.
| |
|
Clearinghouse Rule Change Could Downgrade Over 175,000 CDLs
The agency’s first Clearinghouse rule, which took effect in 2020, required employers to query the Clearinghouse for drug and alcohol violations from current and prospective employees prior to allowing them to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Additionally, employers are required to run a query on all current employees annually. According to FMCSA, the second Clearinghouse rule “will improve the enforcement of the current driving prohibition by requiring that states refrain from issuing, renewing, transferring, or upgrading the CLP or CDL of affected drivers.” Read more...
| |
|
Heat Standard Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
On Aug. 30, OSHA formally published an NPRM establishing standards to protect from heat injury and illnesses in both outdoor and indoor work settings. The proposal would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, transportation and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction. Briefly, the rule would require employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplace; and clarify employer obligations and the steps necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat. Comments are due Dec. 30, 2024.
| |
|
NHTSA Proposes New Vehicle Safety Standard to Better Protect Pedestrians
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is advancing pedestrian safety by proposing a new rule to reduce fatalities and serious injuries among pedestrians struck by vehicles. The proposed rule would establish a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requiring new passenger vehicles be designed to reduce the risk of serious-to-fatal injuries in child and adult pedestrian crashes. Read more...
| |
|
Marijuana Rescheduling Hearing Set For December
A proposal to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug already prompted tens of thousands of comments. However, the Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration has decided that it needs even more feedback. In a notice published in the Federal Register, the DEA announced it will have a hearing on Dec. 2 to discuss the potential rescheduling of the drug. Read more...
| |
|
Freedom Riders National Monument Bus Burning Site Master Plan
Freedom Riders National Monument is developing a Master Plan for the Bus Burning Site in Calhoun County, Alabama. The site is the location where a violent mob set fire to a bus of Freedom Riders during the 1961 Freedom Rides, a movement to challenge discriminatory state laws and local customs that required racial segregation on buses and in bus station facilities. The bus burning site is one of two sites that comprise the national monument — the other being the Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Anniston, where the Freedom Riders initially encountered the mob and from which the bus departed. The park planning team will accept public comment on the preliminary ideas for the site during a public engagement period that extends until October 10, 2024. Read more...
| |
|
Here’s How US Intercity Bus Lines Are Doing in 2024
While overall ridership on intercity buses recovered to about 90% of pre-pandemic levels last year, the industry has seen both ups and downs so far in 2024. On the down side were a bankruptcy and the potential closure of Chicago’s bus terminal; positives have included route growth, increasing state and federal support and collaborations with Amtrak. Read on for these and other developments in intercity bus transportation in 2024.
| |
|
Bus Company Coach USA Failed to Provide Workers Advance Notice Before Layoffs, Class Action Lawsuit Claims
A class action lawsuit alleges bus company Coach USA failed to give employees at least 60 days’ advance notice prior to a mass layoff in August 2024. Read more...
| |
|
Hotel Key Cards Are Being Replaced by Digital Options Like Apple, Google Wallets
Many hotel chains are racing to replace the plastic room key with digital options, including Apple Wallet and Google Wallet apps. Plastic hotel key cards have had a rough few years. During the pandemic, touch was taboo, so touchless trends accelerated. 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 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 | | | | |
