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The Limousine, Bus, Taxi Operators of Upstate New York (LBTOUNY) met via Zoom on June 17 for a general membership meeting. Once again, the chief topic of discussion was the post-Schoharie legislative changes for limousine operators that went into effect in February 2021. The association hosted Marc Berger, acting director, Passenger Carrier Safety Bureau/Motor Carrier Investigations from the New York State Department of Transportation (DMV), who spoke about the new regulations and fielded questions from the group.
Marc Berger of the New York State DOT/DMV
Since the Schoharie limousine tragedy in 2018, lawmakers in New York have come down hard on stretch limousine operations, just stopping short of banning the vehicles. It’s also spurred some additional federal proposals and legislative revisions that could affect the industry nationwide.
“Governor Cuomo was really driving hard at eliminating stretch limousines in the state. Even though there were laws already on the book to prevent this accident from happening, there was a lack of communication between DOT, DMV, and law enforcement,” says LBTOUNY President Kevin Barwell of Giorgio’s Limousine Service. “But, right now we’re working closely with DMV and DOT—and they really seem to be communicating now.”
Berger was on hand to help guide LBTOUNY members through the new regulatory landscape and address members’ questions and concerns. First, he discussed the new laws that have passed and what’s going on in the state. Notable changes to state laws include a CDL being mandatory for vehicles carrying more than eight passengers as well as new drug and alcohol testing for chauffeurs. Berger then cleared up some misinformation that had been circulating among operators.
LBTOUNY President Kevin Barwell
“He was able to answer questions regarding limousines being phased out,” says Barwell. “The only ones being phased out are the ones that don’t have seat belts for passengers. If operators don’t put seat belts in any vehicles before 2021, they will need to be phased out by 2022.”
Barwell said that Berger remains very open to working with the association in the future, giving LBTOUNY a clear-cut line of communication to the NYSDOT.
“Our association is working its butt off to maintain those relationships with those departments [DMV/DOT] as well as our elected representatives. We’ve been to Albany numerous times to testify and work with them. We don’t want a black eye,” he adds.
Another topic discussed among LBTOUNY members on the call was illegal operations being created by TNC drivers in the state. According to Barwell, TNC drivers are creating websites and social media profiles that advertise services as car services. Of course, these “companies” do not have the appropriate insurance or plates.
“The DMV is trying to come down on them, but it’s such a big monster that’s happening all over the state. It all goes back to the state not creating stricter laws on TNCs and it’s opening a can of worms,” says Barwell.
Visit lbtony.com for more information.
[06.22.21]
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United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Chairman Jeff Polzien announced last week the launch of a search for a new President/CEO. UMA Vice Chairman David Moody is leading the search committee.
“When UMA tapped Larry Killingsworth to be our interim President and CEO in February 2020, for six to nine months while we searched for a permanent leader, little did we know what was ahead. We are grateful to Larry for leading us through these past fifteen months and continuing with UMA through the search process,” said Moody.
Moody expects it will take three to six months for the committee to complete its work. “UMA has played a vital role for its members during the pandemic, and will continue to deliver the critical support that is needed,” he said. “It is now time for our organization to turn our focus to the future and bring in the next leader of UMA.”
Some of the specific initiatives cited by UMA include:
- Teaming up with other industry groups to conduct a powerful advocacy program for the motorcoach industry that resulted in the CERTS program, the first-ever direct funding from the federal government for our industry.
- Providing financial relief for operator members by suspending dues for the 12 months ending March 31, 2021.
- Dramatically increasing the timeliness of information by moving the industry leading Bus & Motorcoach News to a digital format, launching the Daily NewsFlash, and conducting 58 Town Halls every Thursday at 2p.m. ET. (register here)
- Shifting the annual Sales Summit and Safety Management Seminar from live meetings to a safer and more cost-effective virtual format, with record attendance at each.
- Planned and delivered a live EXPO in Orlando in April, 2021, the first industrywide gathering in more than a year. UMA’s Annual Motorcoach EXPO is North America’s premier equipment show and will continue to be the source for the coach operator to learn, strengthen, and grow their businesses and relationships.
- Relaunched a strengthened BusRates.com on March 1, 2021, to provide a powerful tool for its subscribers to respond to the trend toward online search for transportation services.
The job listing is available here.
Visit uma.org for more information.
[06.21.21]
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It’s open and accepting applications!
Bus and motorcoach companies now have the opportunity to apply for grant monies that can help their business while they rebuild after the COVID pandemic. The Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Program, passed in late 2020, can assist companies that lost 25 percent or more of revenue during COVID to cover payroll costs, but also acquisition of services; equipment, including PPE and COVID protection measures; continued operations and maintenance of existing equipment and facilities; rent; leases; insurance; and interest on regular debt service.
Full program guidelines and FAQs can be found here.
From the portal page:
Application Deadline: The CERTS portal will be open for applications through July 19, 2021. To be considered for a CERTS grant, an application must be completed, electronically signed, and submitted through the portal by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 19. After the deadline, the portal will not accept new applications, and users will not be able to finish draft applications in the portal.
Accessing the CERTS Portal: To gain access to the CERTS portal and submit an application, a company representative must first register with a username and password through the ID.me identity service. Interested companies may register to obtain an ID.me username and password and access the CERTS portal here.
Need more information? The American Bus Association hosted a webinar on CERTS basics, which can be accessed here. The United Motorcoach Association will also address CERTS in its weekly Town Hall, held on Thursdays at 2 p.m. ET. Register for the Town Hall here.
[06.21.21]