Check Out What's Happening in the GNJMA!

Your Member Monthly News & Updates
Association In Action:  
New NYC Bus Terminal Plan

The GNJMA was represented well at the recent Port Authority public hearings held in both New York City and Jersey City.  Several Board members spoke  before the Commission to relay our Association's criteria in regards to the Bus Terminal Redevelopment Plan. The criteria requested included keeping the terminal on the West Side, allowing for larger motorcoaches of the future, ample parking and that the Commission adequately fund the bus terminal project.

Thank you to the representatives of the Board for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the hearings and to our Members who responded to our email request by sending letters and emails regarding this matter.  Together, we hope to impact the planning to meet our needs.  For more information on the plan, please visit 

Upcoming Events

Register for the March 7th Spring Association Meeting & Motorcoach Professional Awards Luncheon with a special presentation by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security.  Note, nominations are now closed.

Register for the March 21st CDL Train-the-Trainer Workshop presented by New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Save-the-Date  October 11-12th Annual Association Meeting & Marketplace

Call or  Email Pattie Cowley for more information or visit our website.
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Industry Regulation Updates

FMCSA Passenger Regs Clarified

Does your organization or business transport people by bus, van or limousine?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued guidance to organizations and businesses that transport passengers in interstate commerce, clarifying existing FMCSA regulations and requirements.

FMCSA constructed an online resource page to help advise organizations and businesses that may provide interstate passenger transportation services. Click on the following link to learn more about federal passenger carrier regulations and determine if they apply to your organization or business: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/upcr

Please do not reply to this email. For questions, please visit https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/ask/ or call the FMCSA Information Line at 1-800-832-5660.

New CDL Rule Helps Veterans and Industry Driver Shortage

In short, the n ew rule eases the burdens on military personnel applying for CLPs and CDLs in two ways:
  • A longer grace period for military drivers with experience to transition to civilian careers. Obtaining a CDL typically requires a two-step process which includes both a knowledge test and a skills test. Under previous regulations, states were allowed to waive the skills test for (current or former) military personnel who met specific conditions and who were in a military role requiring the operation of a CMV in the past 90 days. Under the new regulations, this waiver period has been permanently extended from 90 days to one full year.
  • All states can administer tests for CDLs/CLPs for service members stationed within their borders, but the CDLs/CLPs will be issued by the "home state." All states can now accept CLP/CDL applications and administer the necessary tests to active duty service members who are full-time military heavy equipment operators. States that exercise this option are required to transmit the application and results to the licensing agency in the service member's home state, which may then issue the CLP or CDL. This new procedure will enable service members to complete their licensing requirements without incurring the time and expense of returning to their home state.
Civilian job prospects for CMV drivers vary according to driver experience and the type of CDL endorsements. Some of the most directly correlated civilian opportunities for military drivers include: h eavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, ci ty and tour bus drivers, s chool bus drivers & l ight truck or delivery services drivers.

For more information and full article, click here.
Member News

GNJMA Member Trans-Bridge Lines Receives Highest DOT Rating

We would like to congratulate Trans-Bridge Lines on receiving the highest DOT rating granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  The Department of Transportation conducted a 2-week, comprehensive audit to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Driver Qualifications, Safety Operations, CDL Requirements, Maintenance Records, Physical Motorcoach Inspections, by PA State Police inspectors,
were among the components audited.  President, Tom JeBran, is a long-time member of the GNJMA Board of Directors.  Congrats!

Prevost Names Two Regional Directors of New Coach Sales

Prevost announced the promotion of two veteran employees to lead new coach sales for the company's newly created Eastern and Western regions. The decision was made to divide responsibility for the North American market under the leadership of National Sales VP, Jack Forbes. Glen Gendron and Keith Hayward have been named directors of new coach sales, Eastern Region and Western Region, respectively. "The creation of the two regional director positions strengthens the sales team and brings Prevost closer to the company's customers," Forbes said.

Gendron has worked for Prevost for more than 20 years and was most recently the director of pre-owned coach sales. He began his career in parts sales in 1996. Over the years, he has also worked as a regional parts sales manager and as a product expert in the Prevost manufacturing facility in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada. In his new role, Gendron will provide valuable insight into the customer experience from order to delivery of a Prevost premium passenger coach.  Hayward comes to his new role after nine years as a regional sales manager with Prevost. Before joining Prevost, Hayward worked as a sales manager and sales trainer in the pharmaceutical industry. 
Members:  Do you have a special story or anniversary you would like us to highlight in a newsletter?  If so, please call or email Pattie Cowley.
New Website Coming Soon!

The GNJMA is happy to announce our partnership with Red Barn Software in creating a brand new website for our association. This site will have many new features including a member login with access to member-only pages and resources. The site will also have our new logo and will be mobile-friendly!
 
Red Barn Software is an information technology firm that creates custom software, mobile apps, and websites for their clients while offering authentic service and support. By working with them, GNJMA has access to award winning designers and developers who are creating this great new site with our feedback every step of the way.
 
Our new website project is off to a great start, and we hope to reveal some of our progress at our annual association meeting coming up March 7th at the Tropicana. 

Contact:  Pattie Cowley, Executive Director | Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association
 908-835-0935 x105 | pcowley@gnjma.com | www.gnjma.com