LONG BEACH, Calif. A sure way for private motorcoach operators to increase their chances of getting work from their local public transit agency is to become a pest.

Thats right, a pest.

A panel of operators who have done it successfully stressed that point during a UMA Motorcoach Expo education session on community involvement, suggesting operators need to become a permanent face at transit board meetings and speak up often when the floor is open for comments.

"You can just sit in the room with them," said Alan Thrasher of Thrasher Brothers Trailways in Birmingham, Ala. "They get very edgy when youre there because they dont like it when the public comes to their (meetings and) hearings."

He said when issues arise that involve transportation work that private carriers might be able to do, operators should raise their hand, speak up and let the board know your company is ready, willing and able.

Eventually, he said, the transit community will get to know individual operators and their companies, and it could lead to new revenue streams.

"You really can beat City Hall," he said.

Brian Scott of Escot Bus Lines in Largo, Fla., said his first experience with public transit officials was about six years ago when he went to a board meeting to complain about a bus issue.

"It was kind of a rocky start," he said.

Over the years, though, he has not only gotten numerous jobs for his company from the transit agency, but the board put him on two if its committees and several times asked him to serve on the board.

"I had to back away from that one, though, because of a possible conflict of interest," he said.

Scott said its important for operators to get involved with their transit agency as soon as possible so they are in on the beginning when something that might lead to work begins to develop.

"Once a transit agency puts up its flag, they are not going to give it up, so you have to get in at the planning stages," he said.

Jimmy Cantrell of Daniels Charters in Lula, Ga., said offering a free service in the community can be another way to expand business, not only with transit agencies, but other government offices as well.

"You have to ask yourself how it will benefit you, though," he said.

Cantrell said he once was asked by the wife of the Alabama governor to provide transportation for a womens group and after he agreed, it gave him a direct line to the governor when ever he needed to talk with him.

In addition, he said for the past four years he has been providing transportation for new teachers who have joined the area school district.

"The first thing they do is get on your coach, and Ive gotten a lot of business from that," he said.

The panelists suggested, too, that donating money to political causes is another good way to turn community involvement into business and influence.

"It can be some of the best advertising you can do," suggested Cantrell.

Thrasher cautioned, however, that conversation -- along with the money -- can greatly enhance the benefits, noting that operators need to meet face-to-face with the candidates they are helping finance.

"You have to get engaged with them so they know who you are," he said. "Theyll take your money but if you dont engage them in good conversation they wont know you."

Panel members stressed, too, that community involvement requires patience because it can take a great deal of time several years in some cases before it leads to new businesses.

"The best time to get involved in your community was five years ago and the next best time is today," said Scott.