Industry Changes, Opportunities & Challenges Addressed At 2025 UMA Motorcoach EXPO

Shown, left to right, are UMA Legislative & Regulatory Committee Chairman Glenn Every; UMA lobbyist Becky Weber, of the Prime Policy Group; and UMA Vice President of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/COO Ken Presley. (Photo by Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine)

By Harrell Kerkhoff, Busline Magazine Editor

As attendees and organizers looked ahead with confidence, while at the same time recognizing industry accomplishments and current challenges, the recent 2025 United Motorcoach Association’s (UMA) Motorcoach EXPO took place in Oklahoma, City, OK. Included was an exhibition floor featuring vendors, educational tracks, guest speakers, an awards ceremony and several after-hours celebrations.

UMA President & CEO Scott Michael addressed membership during the Opening Session. He noted a recent change in leadership involving several bus-related associations and a continued effort from those associations to work together with UMA for the common good of motorcoach operators and the overall industry. That includes new leadership at the American Bus Association (ABA) involving the appointment of Fred Ferguson as its next president and CEO; and new leadership at the International Motorcoach Group with the appointment of Phelps Hope as the next IMG president. Both appointments were made in 2024.

Michael added UMA officials also have a good working relationship with other bus groups including the National Association of Motorcoach Operators (NAMO), Trailways, Motor Coach Canada, and the Ontario Motor Coach Association. He noted that although these associations may have different perspectives, they also share many members and often work together when it comes to solving industry-related challenges.

Among recent challenges involving the motorcoach industry that is requiring bus associations and professionals to work together is the prospect of dealing with tariffs.

“They key objective going forward is to continue coordinating efforts and sharing information as it relates to any challenges brought about from tariffs,” Michael said. “Work continues to develop strategies in partnership with other groups within our industry. We want to make sure that the bus industry remains healthy and can continue to grow.”

Also speaking at the Opening Session was UMA Board Chairman Alan Thrasher, of Thrasher Brothers Trailways, in Birmingham, AL. Thrasher spoke of the importance of UMA members participating in the annual UMA Bus & Motorcoach Industry Legislative Fly-In, the latest of which took place in early April. The event provides a good opportunity for UMA members to meet with their specific members of Congress and Congressional staffs. It’s seen as an essential way for industry members to build valuable relationships with their Congressional representatives, with a focus on raising awareness about key motorcoach industry issues and concerns.

Thrasher also spoke about UMA’s efforts to help new entrants succeed in the motorcoach industry. That includes the availability of educational programs.

2025 Legislative & Regulatory Update

Following the Opening Session and Active Member Meeting each year, UMA EXPO attendees receive a Legislative & Regulatory Update. It focuses on recent, and possible, changes taking place on Capitol Hill that will, or could, impact the U.S. bus and motorcoach industry.

The update is annually presented by UMA lobbyist Becky Weber, managing director of the Prime Policy Group; and UMA Vice President of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/COO Ken Presley. Weber and Presley addressed several legislative and regulatory questions, asked by UMA Legislative & Regulatory Committee Chairman Glenn Every, of TTI (Tonche Transit Inc.), in Mount Tremper, NY, who served as moderator.

Weber and Presley both discussed big changes that are currently taking place in Washington, D.C. as is relates to the 2024 U.S. presidential election that brought President Donald Trump back to the White House. Since then, there has been a lot of discussion and action as it relates to different types of tariffs — some of which may have a big impact on the U.S. and Canadian motorcoach industries such as possible price increases for equipment.

To help UMA and the overall motorcoach industry better monitor and fight potential tariff threats, a representative of the Prime Policy Group who works with Weber and specializes in tariffs has been brought in to offer guidance. Weber added the tariff situation remains very much in flux.

Presley said UMA and the Prime Policy Group will also continue to work with members of the U.S. Congress on other issues impacting the motorcoach industry and its members.

“There is a well-worn path to Capitol Hill made by people representing our industry. The objective is to guard against regulatory overreach and those regulations that would adversely impact our industry. It’s important to always be prepared, while developing key relationships,” Presley said.

One key objective in Congress moving forward is future passage of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, which has a deadline set for Sept. 30, 2026. This law funds infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, waterways, and mass transit, for five fiscal years. The last Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act that Congress passed provided more than half a trillion dollars to federal agencies, state entities, and other programs. Congressional hearings will likely begin early in 2025.

Presley noted that although the act is traditionally centered on federal investment in roads and highways there is often other policy issues that are included, some of which could be to the detriment of private motorcoach operators. Therefore, UMA and Prime Policy Group officials will continue to monitor the act’s progress moving forward and will work with members of Congress in an effort to alleviate any negative policies/regulations.

Charter Service Rule Reminder

Discussed as well at the Legislative & Regulatory Update was the importance of private U.S. bus and coach operators to update their company information involving the Charter Service Registry, which is associated with the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Charter Service Rule.

According to FTA, the rule protects private charter operators from unauthorized competition with FTA grant recipients, such as public transit agencies. In essence, charter regulations are implemented to ensure that transit agencies, subsidized with federal money, do not unfairly compete with privately-owned bus companies. Under the charter rule, with limited exceptions, local transit agencies are restricted from operating chartered services. The registry allows private charter providers to receive notices from FTA of upcoming charter opportunities.

Presley added that private charter operators must register on a bi-annual basis. Private operators are urged to contact UMA with any questions.

“Registering is fast and easy, but it must be done every two years,” Presley stressed.

The 2026 UMA Motorcoach EXPO is scheduled for February 11-14, in Birmingham, AL.