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Stopped 2011 legislation (AB 45) that would have penalized and taken motor coach carrier permit for actions of customers. Efforts to stop this legislation will continue in 2012.
- Working to modify the proposed CARB regulations.
- Fought for the repeal of the car tax.
- Working on an attack plan to stop school districts from taking charter bus business.
- Clarification of the SPAB certification process.
- Working with the DMV and CHP to make the process run smoother. Have obtained an organization chart on how the process works and have contact information to help resolve problems.
- Identified the negative language in the federal Transportation Reauthorization Bill.
- Worked with ABA and UMA to include language favorable to the charter industry.
- Continually working on worker’s compensation insurance reform for the motor coach industry.
- Relief of PUCTRA Fees – (AB-2762)
- July 1, 2001 reduced to ¼%
- Goal - Will continue to work with the PUC to achieve a flat fee based upon the PUC’s actual costs of regulating the motor coach industry.
- Monitor Charter Bus Regulations (49 CFR Part 604)
- Charter prohibition by Transit Agencies – monitored by Jim Seal
- Proposition 65 – Fought bounty hunters attacking bus companies in California.
- Part of Californians for a Sound Fuel Strategy
- Fought to keep diesel (ABR)
- Working to get EPA to seek National Standards for fuel (EPA)
- Fought SB-2109 that sought to eliminate the private sector from pupil transportation, home to school and SPAB.
- Involved with the following:
- CHP Motor Carriers Advisory Committee
- Business, Transportation & Housing Agency
- School Bus Advisory Committee
- ARB Hearings (Fuels)
- PUC (PUCTRA Fees and relationships)
- DMV Industry Advisory Committee
- Testified against Proposed Rule 1190 – South Coast Air Quality Management District
- Re wrote Regulation 1620 savings California Companies thousands of dollars of use tax on bus purchases.
- Wrote the 45’ motor coach legislation, which legalized 45’ commercial motor coaches in California. There are roads they are restricted on but most roads can be used.
- AB-60 – overtime after 8 hours established relationship with the Industrial Relations Committee to keep the transportation exemption for motor coach companies.
- Through MOPAC we keep great relationships with the California Legislature and their staffs.
- Keep in touch with the following industry organizations:
- CVSA – Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
- ABA – American Bus Association
- UMA – United Motorcoach Association
- NTA – National Tour Association
- Most of our CBA dispatchers and Head Maintenance people ask when they get a call from a Coach Operator having a problem on the road....“Is your company a member of CBA”.... If the answer is yes, your operator will find that he or she is able to get the help they need without a lot of further negotiations.
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