BUSRide AUGUST / SEPT 2020 | Page 6

FROM THE EDITOR
Congress
fails again
Recently BUSRide collaborated with the American
Bus Association (ABA) and its Women in Buses
Council to release the "How COVID-19 Has Killed Our Industry" eBook.
Featuring letters penned by more than 40 women, the eBook calls on
Congressional delegates to act now and approve emergency relief for an
industry in crisis. It was distributed to the members of Congress addressed
in those letters, as well as to our readership and the ABA membership. It
was the latest among many efforts from our industry to gain much-needed
Congressional attention.
And yet – despite the near-constant calls to action from affected operators
and lobbying associations – Washington has thus far failed to act. In a
very discouraging move last month, the Senate left D.C. for recess until
September without passing any further coronavirus relief.
The motorcoach industry ground to a standstill because of COVID-19
and the nationwide state quarantines. Despite the best efforts of industry
associations and leaders, the damage inflicted upon motorcoach operators
was not addressed in the original the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic
Security Act (or “CARES Act”). In fact, motorcoaches were the only major
mode of transportation not specifically addressed by the CARES Act.
As a result of the pandemic, most of the nearly 100,000 people employed
in this industry have been laid off or furloughed as over-the-road group
transportation is halted nationwide. These people normally provide 500 to
600 million annual passenger trips. They are crucial to America’s travel and
tourism industry – which accounts for an annual $237 billion contribution to
the economy.
These same people are instrumental in disaster relief and the movement
of American troops. Almost 600 motorcoach companies are approved by
the Department of Defense to transport military personnel, and as many as
600 buses have been utilized by FEMA to evacuate people from hurricanes
and natural disasters. If these companies do not survive in the economy this
pandemic created, who will be there to provide those services?
It is critical that Congress pass S. 4150 and H. 7642, both known as the
Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (or “CERTS Act").
Motorcoach operators have thus far fought to survive on the Paycheck
Protection Program and loans from the Small Business Administration, with
no direct relief in sight. All the while making sure that their vehicles and
facilities are properly maintained and sanitized.
It is going to be some time before motorcoaches are rolling again, and
even longer before the industry can return to stability. The $10 billion in
funding outlined by the CERTS Act will help keep this vital sector of the
American economy alive.
It is unconscionable that these elite, wealthy legislators have allowed
negotiations to stalemate while millions of hard-working Americans suffer.
Congress must act immediately – or there must be consequences for inaction.
Richard Tackett
CEO / Editor in Chief
VOLUME 56, NUMBER 5
Richard Tackett
CEO / Editor in Chief
[e-mail]
Judi Victor
Publisher
[e-mail]
Stephen Gamble
Art Director
[e-mail]
Mitch Larson
Business & Accounting Manager
[e-mail]
Emma Green
Assistant Editor
[e-mail]
Kevin Cosgrove
Account Executive
[e-mail]
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6 | BUSRIDE.COM | AUG / SEPT 2020