Bulletins

 

ADA REQUIREMENTS
† ADA Requirements for Bus Operators
 Below you will find important informaiton on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and requirements of bus operators.
PDF UMA 1-1-12 ADA Compliance article

PDF FMCSA Annual Form

PDF ADA Guidelines for Over the Road Bus Companies
 Posted December 22, 2011


† What are My ADA Responsibilites
PDF  Ken Presley's presentation at PBA's 2012 Annual Meeting - What are My ADA Responsibilities
Posted June 20, 2012

 

CDL Self-Certification Forms

90-day MEC Reminder (DLA368)

Official Notice - MEC Expiring (DLA369)

Self Cert Form DLP366 Coupon

Downgrade Notice (DLA370)

Self Cert Form DL-11CD (2-13) Fill-In

Self Cert Form DLP 367 Second Coupon

 

CROSSING OVER THE BORDER INTO CANADA

† Crossing the border into Canda in a motorcoach?

Click the following 2 links PDF Canda - CBSA  and PDF US - CBP to obtain the necessary requirements and forms to make this an easy process for your pasesngers and driver.
 Posted July 29, 2011

 

FMCSA

† Commercial Drive Guide to Hours of Service
 Click here for PDF Guide
Posted July 7, 2010

 

† Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010)
 Starting in summer 2010, FMCSA will implement the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010) which is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of FMCSA's enforcement and compliance program.  Click here PDF CSA 2010 to read more.
 Posted February 9, 2010


† Changes to New Entrant Safety Assurance Program

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued "Changes to the NEW Entrant Safety Assurance Program", effective January 2010.  A NEW Entrant is defined as a motor carrier not domiciled in Mexico that applies for a U.S. DOT identification number in order to initiate operations in interstate commerce.  Click here  PDF New Entrant Brochure for a copy.
Posted January 25, 2010


FTA CHARTER BUS RULES

† Charter Bus Rules vs Transit

Effective April 1, 2008, new Charter Bus Rules were issued by the FTA which explain what a charter trip is and who can perform the trip.  Click here PDF Charter Service Rule to find out if transit authorities are doing charter work in violation of federal law.
Posted July 6, 2009

 

IDLING LAWS

† Act 124 Idling Signage Released

Under Act 124 of 2008 (Idling Restrictions) owner/operators are required to have specific signage at your location notifying drivers of the idling restriction.  In addition, a location providing 15 or more parking spaces for the vehicles included in the law such as an attraction, stadium, etc. also need a sign indicating idling restrictions.  Here is the wording in the law and what PBA has researched: 

 

An owner or operator of a location where vehicles subject to this act load or unload, OR a location that provides 15 or more parking spaces for vehicles subject to this act shall erect and maintain a permanent sign to inform drivers that idling is restricted in this Commonwealth, as specified in 67 PA. CODE Section 212.101 (A) and (B) (relating to official signs).

 

Click here to obtain a  PDF copy of the PennDOT Idling Sign Specifications.

Posted January 6, 2009


† Act 124 Idling Law and Motorcoaches

Effective February 6, 2009, Act 124 details the circumstances a motorcoach can idle in the Commonwealth.  This document will assist bus owners of the requirements to comply with the law. Click here to view a PDF copy

Updated January 27, 2009

 

PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATION

†HB 13 to Increase CDL/Bus Fees

On January 10, 2013, House Bill 13 was intorduced that will increase (if passed) commercial driver's license fees, and bus registration fees. CLICK HERE for a copy of the bill.

HB 13 - Increased License and Registration Fees

 

†HB 14 to Stagger Registrations and Remove Registration Stickers

On January 10, 2013, House Bill 14 was intorduced that would further stagger the vehicle registration process and remove registration stickers to save PennDOT money. CLICK HERE for a copy of the bill. HB 14 Reg Stickers and Staggered Registration

Posted January 31, 2013

 

PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION (PUC)

†2012 UCR Fee Notice and Form. December 31, 2011 is the deadline to register for the 2012 Unified Carrier Registration.  All bus operators received a notice from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on this important registration that funds commercial vehicle safety and enforcement programs in the state. CLick here to obtain PDF the UCR Fee Cararier Notice 2012 - PA
Posted December 16, 2011

 

†Trips for Compensation Require PUC Authority.    The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds people that arranging trips for compensation within the state requires a PUC license.

 

The state’s Public Utility Code requires that anyone who is serving as a “passenger broker” must hold a brokerage license issued by the PUC. A passenger broker is someone who is being paid to arrange trips within the state – such as bus trips.

The PUC monitors passenger brokers for things such as quality of service, safety and insurance. The PUC also ensures the broker is following all state laws and regulations.

 

The PUC’s Pittsburgh District Office has recently received many reports of unlicensed people serving as passenger brokers by arranging bus trips within the state for compensation, especially in the Pittsburgh area. Civil and criminal penalties may be sought by the PUC if someone is found to be operating as a passenger broker without proper authority.

 

Anyone interested in providing this type of transportation service may call the PUC Application Office at (717) 787-3834 or the Pittsburgh District Office at (412) 565-3553.  Applications are also available on the PUC's website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us. 

  

Federal, State and Local Initiatives

† NTSB Study on Curbside Carriers

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released the results of a six-month study on curbside motorcoach safety initiated following a series of bus accidents.  The report is the first comprehensive evaluation of the motorcoach industry with an emphasis on what are commonly known as curbside carriers.  Curbside motorcoach operations consist of scheduled trips that begin or end at locations other than traditional bus terminals; most of these operations pick up or discharge passengers at one or more curbside locations.  The fatal accident rate for curbside carriers from January 2005 - March 2011 was 7 times that of convention bus operations. 

PDF NTSB Curbside Motorcoach Safety Report

Posted October 31, 2011

 

† Washington DC Motorcoach and Travel Information

Traveling to Washington DC by motorcoach is a great way to go but once there, parking can be a challenge.  The Washington DC Department of Transportation has been working with the motorcoach industry on identifying problem areas and developing a Plan to improve parking, pick-up and drop-off of passengers as well as all other issues relating to motorcoaches.  Expect some changes in 2012.  Click on one of the many documents just released by the Washington DC Department of Transportation:

 PDF Curbside Motorcoach Locations Alternatives Matrix

 PDF Motorcoach Parking Locations in Washington, DC

 PDF Wash DC Key Attractions Map for Buses

 PDF Wash DC Motorcoach Action Plan Presentation

 PDF Wash DC Motorcoach Action Plan

 PDF Wash DC Motorcoach Parking and Drop-off Pick-up Locations

 PDF Wash DC Tour Bus Pick Up and Drop Off Locations

Posted October 27, 2011


† Alexandria, VA is working with the motorcoach industry to relieve parking problems

Click here for a PDF brochure on guidelines to parking in Alexandria.

Posted April 16, 2008

 


†Philadelphia Airport Implementing AVI System.  Effective on or about January 1, 2008, the Philadelphia International Airport will be utilizing an Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) System to effectively manage the usage of their commercial roadway system.  For those companies using Philadelphia Airport infrequently, they will be able to continue to pay the per trip fee which is currently $22 per vehicle per trip but will increase to $50 per vehicle per trip January 1, 2008.  Drivers will be required to fill out an Infrequent Use Form.  An “infrequent user” is defined as a company making two trips or less per month.  The following forms are available for you to click on to obtain additional information on the changes at the Philadelphia Airport:

 

PDF Infrequent User Policy

PDF AVI Fee Policies 

PDF Philadelphia Airport FAQs

PDF Summary of Commercial Group Transportation Fees (Philadelphia International Airport)

PDF Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) Application Checklist

PDF AVI Terms and Conditions

PDF Limousine-Van-Bus Application

Philadelphia Airport Bus Fee Changes PowerPoint Presentation - this will take several minutes to load.  We suggest you click on save instead of open to save it to your computer, then open it - this will download it faster.
 PDF Philadelphia Airport Bus Fee Changes (PDF Format)

Posted December 13, 2007