UMA Cheers Passage of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act

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UMA

Nov 07, 2015, 01:00 ET

ALEXANDRIA, VA (PRWEB) November 07, 2015 -- The United Motorcoach Association applauds the House of Representatives for approving the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 today by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 363-64. The bill reauthorizes Federal highway, transit and motor carrier programs for six years and advances many of UMA Members’ highest priorities.

Provisions of the bill supported by UMA include: requirement for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to halt the pending rulemaking to increase minimum insurance requirements for the purpose of further study of the bus and motorcoach industry; directive for reform of the Compliance, Safety and Accountability program; imposition of significant general regulatory reform procedures; elimination of en route inspections at weigh stations; expedited applications for new entrants; parity in tolling with public transit and penalties for continued exemptions from enforcement of the charter service rule; preservation of the current Charter Service Rule; and partial fuel-tax exemption.

“UMA expresses its deep thanks to Chairman Bill Shuster, Ranking Member Peter DeFazio, Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman Sam Graves, Highways and Transit Ranking Member Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congressman Scott Perry and Congressman Lou Barletta for their leadership and support of UMA’s priorities.” said Victor S. Parra, President and CEO of UMA. Parra added, “We look forward to continuing to work with them and their Senate counterparts to resolve differences and agree on a final bill to send to the President.”

About UMA
The United Motorcoach Association is North America’s largest association for operators of motorcoach companies providing charter, tour and regular route services. Founded in 1971, UMA is comprised of over 900 professional bus and motorcoach companies who provide transportation services in all fifty states, Canada and Mexico, and more than 250 supplier, manufacturer, and travel partner members. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, UMA is dedicated to protecting and promoting the interests of the entire motorcoach industry and providing its members with programs and services to enhance the success of their operations. More information can be obtained by visiting http://www.uma.org.
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Terri Tackett, UMA, http://www.uma.org, +1 (202) 374-8395, [email protected]