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The motorcoach industry asked for $10 billion, was told $8 billion was doable, and ended up with $2 billion when the latest COVID relief package finally passed this past Sunday.
The industry has been hit especially hard, with most estimates of trips at just 10-20 percent of 2019 numbers. As such, both the American Bus Association (ABA) and United Motorcoach Association (UMA) have been burning up phone lines and inboxes to keep Congress informed of the tremendous impact that COVID has had, and to request aid through two bills called the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act. Among the numerous industry-specific bills floating around in both chambers, the CERTS Act enjoyed the broadest bicameral support of any other bill.
Since March 2020, the motorcoach industry has been decimated, with more than 80,000 of the 100,000 jobs lost and the industry operating at 10 percent of 2019 levels. Financial institutions have predicted without federal government relief aid, the industry could see more than 40 percent of the 3,000 businesses—mostly multigenerational family companies—permanently shut down.
A statement from ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso:
"It is truly disappointing and shocking that once again Congressional leaders have failed to provide adequate funding for the motorcoach industry. The private motorcoach industry has been the only form of passenger transportation ignored by Congress over the past 10 months of the pandemic. But with 61 Senators and more than 270 Representatives supporting a funding ask [CERTS Act], we had strong hope the funding would be included in this final COVID package. To see these monies that were finally designated to save this essential industry now diverted to prop up highway projects suffering due to low gas tax revenue is simply tragically ironic given that motorcoaches are the only public passenger transportation mode that still pays these fuel taxes.
"This industry has been hanging on by a thread since March. So many hardworking and talented employees have been furloughed and will most likely be permanently unemployed because Congress does not see the value of our industry. I would say that the 600 million passengers we transport annually would disagree, not to mention all the people who relied on us for relief when hurricanes hit and wildfires raged in the west. This industry has repeatedly been there in times of great need for this country, for every citizen, and now when we need help, our leaders have abandoned us.
“President-elect Biden and other Congressional offices, as well as economists, have said a major stimulus of up to $4 trillion is needed to save the economy and that Congress and the new Administration will need another stimulus bill soon. We look forward to working with the new Administration and Congress to ensure this essential industry is not left behind again and will be there to help this country recover.”
A statement from UMA President & CEO Larry Killingsworth:
“I write to you today incredibly proud of our industry's advocacy efforts through unprecedented hardship that began in March. I know that our funding ending up at $2 billion after this hard-fought battle is disappointing. You all deserved more. And you needed it a lot sooner.
“But with the Congressional agreement to provide $2 billion in specific economic relief to our industry, we mark the end of the first leg of what is an ongoing journey to bring our industry back. Through all of this, the optimism, team work, and boundless commitment of our members and industry friends has been nothing short of inspiring. Did you know we could be so strong?
“What transit unions, airlines, and Amtrak did with big money, our motorcoach family did with personal emails, calls, and letters to Congress. You gained the attention of local and national media, and marshaled the power of email and social media networks to supercharge our efforts to hit the email inboxes of Congressional leaders. You built important relationships with your elected officials. During a time when our nation's politics were at the heights of division, the CERTS Act brought together both parties, in both houses of Congress, with more than 60 percent support.
“There is more than enough reason to be proud of our efforts, but so much still needs to be done with great immediacy. As a group, we must temper our disappointment with resolve to move forward.
“We do have numerous tools at our disposal in this new bill and beyond, as Congress signals that this is just a down payment on a larger bill to come, [including a second round of PPP, EIDL, Employee Retention Tax Credit, and the new CERTS Program Launch.]
“Let us resolve to keep working together once the 117th Congress convenes and to build upon the foundations we have put in place, so our industry emerges even stronger in the future.”
UMA has scheduled a special Town Hall session for this Wednesday, December 23, at 2 p.m. ET. Registration is required here.
For more information about ABA, visit buses.org. Visit uma.org for more information about UMA.
[12.21.20]
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With the pressures of the pandemic still weighing heavily on operators around the world, the Minority Limousine Operators of America (MLOA) held a webinar on December 16 to help its members improve their coping strategies. The association welcomed Larry Ellington and Adam Thakur, two mental health professionals based in Florida, to discuss ways that operators and executives can perform daily mental self-care.
As an ex-naval engineer, Ellington discussed the importance in “monitoring equipment.” Many operators spend a great deal of time and money making sure their vehicles are in tip-top condition, but rarely put the same effort into their own mental health. With that in mind, Ellington and Thakur offered up the “Three Cs” that can be used to help survive the stresses of COVID-19:
- Connection
- Communication
- Counselling
Often, Ellington explained, people feel the need to “hold back” and not burden others with their problems. They attempted to remove the stigma that some may feel when it comes to self-care and mental health. The therapists pointed out that, in particular, men of color are reluctant to share their thoughts and feelings, but offer that using the Three Cs to establish relationships and healthy interaction is a tool in your box for wellness. The pair emphasized the importance on counseling, as it provides non-biased feedback on problems and may offer solutions.
When overcome with stress, Thakur suggested taking at least five minutes a day to recenter. This could include something as simple as taking deep breaths, taking a shower, or even an activity like going to the movies (socially distanced, of course). Ellington also pointed out the benefits of aromatherapy and bubble baths to put yourself in a good headspace.
In addition to the self-help webinar, the MLOA Board updated their members on association happenings. Membership Committee members Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV and Reggie Tymus of Capital City Limousine shared news that MLOA is working on a certification program for its members and is also formalizing plans for a mentorship program. Both of these will offer a great deal of benefit for operators looking to take their business to the next level. Stay tuned for more details as plans pan out.
Visit mlooa.org for more information.
[12.21.20]
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Election season continues as the Minnesota Chauffeured Transportation Association (MCTA) conducted a live election of their 2021 Board officers via Zoom. During the association’s December 14 membership meeting, Gus Ortis of Executive Transportation was elected to a third term of MCTA president. Joining him are Todd Anderson of Carey Limousine, who was named vice president, and Chad Peterson of Renee's Limousines, who will continue as secretary/treasurer of the association. The membership also discussed plans to add new At-Large seats in an attempt to work more closely with independent operators and increase the visibility of the industry among regulators.
In addition to the Board election, MCTA Executive Director Leslie Rosedahl of Rosedahl Public Affairs provided an overview of recent legislation within the state. On December 13, a relief package was signed into effect that includes $1M grants for each county to designate to small businesses. Rosedahl encouraged the operators to research the package as free money may be available to their businesses.
At the time of the meeting, Governor Tim Walz’s plans gathering restrictions were unknown, and the members were very concerned about a potential lockdown. On December 16 (post-meeting), it was announced that Walz loosened the restrictions on bars, gyms, and school sports, undoubtedly assuaging the concerns of many of the MCTA members. Walz noted that the post-Thanksgiving bump decreased quicker than neighboring state, which has led to the loosened restrictions, but that he’s still vigilant about reducing the spread until the majority of the state’s residents can be vaccinated.
With COVID numbers still high in Minnesota, the MCTA decided to forego their traditional January holiday party in favor of a Zoom happy hour to likely take place on Sunday, January 17. Rosedahl promised something fun for the members. Before the call concluded, Ortis and Rosedahl took a minute to thank the association’s vendor partners, including Chauffeur Driven, for their continued support of the association and the industry.
Visit mnlimo.org for more information.
[12.23.20]