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Washington, D.C. — The American Bus Association (ABA) has expressed its disappointment in the recently released House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s new “Discussion Draft” for an infrastructure legislative proposal.
Key aspects of the draft propose to eliminate the current 17-cent partial fuel tax exemption relied upon by the industry while also raising the gas tax by 20 cents for an overall increase of 37 cents/gallon.
In response to this, ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso said: “The motorcoach industry, like everyone else, recognizes the necessity to update our aging infrastructure to keep America and our economy moving. However, we are extremely disappointed that this proposal would target the diesel fuel tax exemption and at the same time raise the gas tax on our industry—it’s a double hit, increasing our tax burden by nearly 40 cents. This comes at a time when the motorcoach industry faces challenges and most importantly fails to recognize that motorcoaches reduce congestion and air pollution, by taking as many as 50 people out of their cars and provide travel to populations that often have limited options and at an affordable price.”
ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso Currently, motorcoach operators are eligible to obtain only a partial refund from the 24.4 cent/gallon diesel fuel tax paid at the pump; however, under Chairman Bill Shuster’s (R-Pa.) proposal, this eligibility would be eliminated, while at the same time the current tax rate would increase by 20 cents over three years.
In effect, this means a 37-cent increase for the motorcoach industry, an industry dominated by small businesses who rely on the tax refund to offset high fuel costs.
“I’m not entirely sure why the Chairman chose this course when our industry provides the most economical form of public transportation for so many travelers, commuters and students, alike,” said Pantuso. “The impact of this kind of increase cannot easily be borne by our industry, and rural communities, the elderly and minorities who travel on motorcoaches will be particularly hard hit.”
The motorcoach industry provides charter and scheduled service to the traveling public, including commuter operations, tour and travel opportunities, service to large scale events, student travel, public transit support and other services, in addition to serving as a vital link connecting rural communities to larger transportation hubs.
“We believe this is a misguided approach to solving the infrastructure funding issue,” Pantuso said. “If this proposal is enacted, it will hurt not only the motorcoach industry, it will have a lasting adverse effect on the entire transportation system by reducing capacity and limiting options for some of our most economically challenged communities.”
Visit buses.org for more information.
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National Harbor, Md. — As the summer sun beats down across the country, plans are heating up in the Northeast as we continue preparing for the 2018 Chauffeur Driven Show held October 7-10 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center, set on the banks of the Potomac in the exciting National Harbor. We’re thrilled to return to the ground transportation industry hub of the Northeast, just a short drive from Washington D.C. Once again, thanks to the generosity of our Title Sponsors Ford-Lincoln Limousine and Livery Vehicles and Grech Motors, we’re able to bring you four days of the best in networking, education, and fun—all under one roof.
Among the most popular events at the CD Show year after year is the Operator Mentoring Program, which gives operators an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s most iconic names and successful owners in a roundtable format. This long-running hit gives the intimate group—made up of representatives from non-competing markets around the country—a chance to contribute and bring fresh ideas to the conversation.
“The Operator Mentoring Program was excellent, raved Tom Halsnik of Black Pearl Limouine about our 2017 show. “I was told that was the highlight of the show, and they were right. A small group of operators really digging into the issues and challenges. Just excellent!”
We’re pleased to announce that this perennial favorite returns Sunday, October 7, from 5-7 p.m., sponsored once again by Grech Motors. What’s more, we’re introducing five new mentors to the fold to give you a fresh perspective on the biz based on their valuable experience.
This year’s mentors are:
- Robert Alexander, President/CEO of RMA Worldwide
- Sam Amato, President/Founder of Gateway Global
- Brett Barenholtz, CEO of Boston Car Service/Above All Transportation
- Kristina Bouweiri, President/CEO of Reston Limousine
- Maurice Brewster, President/Founder of Mosaic Global Transportation
- Kim J. Dolniak, President/Co-Owner of BEST Transportation
- Jon Epstein, President of Royal Coachman Worldwide (New for 2018!)
- Mike Fogarty, CEO North America of Tristar Worldwide
- Diane Forgy, President of Overland Chauffeured Services
- Kevin Illingworth, President of Classique Worldwide Transportation (New for 2018!)
- Joe Ironi, President of Global Alliance Worldwide
- George Jacobs, CEO of Windy City Limousine
- Dawson Rutter, Founder/President/CEO, Commonwealth Worldwide
- Douglas Schwartz, President of Executive Limousine (New for 2018!)
- Jason Sharenow, COO of Broadway Elite Worldwide
- Scott Solombrino, CEO of Dav El/BostonCoach
- Ron Stein, President/CEO of Exclusive Sedan Service (New for 2018!)
- Rick Versace, Sr., President of A1A Airport & Limousine Service (New for 2018!)
Don’t delay! The Operator Mentoring Program is limited to 200 participants—and it is filled to capacity every year! All seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Since there will be no on-site registration, we encourage you to visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com and sign up today. Keep in mind, this session is designed for company owners (sorry, no vendors or suppliers), and only one person per organization is allowed.
Keep your eyes peeled for future editions of our e-newsletter for the latest information on our 2018 CD show, including updates about educational sessions, nightlife, show floor happenings, and our exciting Keynote Speaker.
Visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com for more information.
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Atlanta, Ga. — Atlantic Limousine and Transportation announces the hiring of Patrick Kiesel as director of operations for the Atlanta operation. Kiesel brings a long history in the for-hire transportation industry working as general manager for 15 years and operations manager for 12 years at a provider in Louisville, Ky. In this new role, he will manage the day-to-day operation of Atlantic’s 75-vehicle fleet while preparing for major events occurring in 2019 such as the Super Bowl.
“We are excited to have Patrick on our team,” explains Atlantic President Robert Oskouie. “As our business continues to grow, we need to manage that growth with industry experts who can take us to the next level. By relocating to Georgia, we know that Patrick is a committed executive who will assist in growing our business.”
President Robert Oskouie, Director of Operations Patrick Kiesel, and Owner Hoss Oskouie
Kiesel has managed large events throughout his career including many Kentucky Derbies, Super Bowls, All-Star Games (NBA and MLB), and PGA Championships, as well as Ryder Cup and Breeder’s Cup races.
“I am very excited and look forward to playing a key role in the growth of Atlantic. The team in place is incredible and I know that this is a winning recipe for success,” says Kiesel.
Kiesel believes that his experience will allow him to create greater efficiencies at Atlantic through process improvements and technology.
Visit atlanticlimo-ga.com for more information.
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