A coalition of 25 state, regional and national motorcoach associations appealed to congressional leadership for adequate funding for the motorcoach industry in any coronavirus relief pact.
In a letter dated Dec. 11, the group of associations addressed their concerns to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer.
The group underscored the fact that the motorcoach industry was alone among transportation modes in receiving no dedicated relief in the CARES Act passed in March.
“We are writing you to encourage your support for funding for the private motorcoach industry in the next stimulus package. The CERTS Act provides $10 billion of relief and includes support for the school bus and passenger ferry industries. The CERTS Act is co-sponsored by 60% of Congress (269 House Members and 59 Senators). We are extremely grateful for the inclusion of $8 billion for motorcoaches in the Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020 proposal. This is the first time that relief for the motorcoach industry has been included in any broader stimulus package,” a portion of the letter read.
The coalition also made the following points:
- The private bus industry has not received any industry-specific stimulus funding to date, unlike other modes of transportation including airlines, Amtrak, and public transit. The industry’s 3,000 mostly small and family-owned companies have suffered unprecedented economic losses. Their businesses do not expect to see a return to normal activity until 2022, at the earliest.
- The motorcoach industry provides vital transportation services, playing an essential role in the national transportation network. It also provides sustainable employment for more than 100,000 workers directly, and many more indirectly.
- The motorcoach industry has been designated critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security for its role in providing transportation to the military, as well as supporting evacuations in the event of natural disasters. Without congressional support, it is estimated that up to 50% of companies will soon be out of business. Also, as coach business has nearly been at a near halt since March, banks have begun to repossess motorcoaches.
- The impact of fewer companies and motorcoaches will be devastating and will impact the country’s military, youth groups, sports teams, as well as travel and tourism. Also impacted will be schools, natural disaster evacuations, entertainer travel and the entire transportation network.
The letter was endorsed by the following organizations:
- Alabama Motorcoach Association
- Asian American Motorcoach Association
- Bus Association of New Jersey
- Bus Association of New York
- California Bus Association
- Connecticut Bus Association
- Florida Motorcoach Association
- Georgia Motorcoach Operators Association
- Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association
- International Motorcoach Group
- Maryland Bus Association
- Maryland Motorcoach Association
- Midwest Bus & Motorcoach Association
- Minnesota Charter Bus Operator’s Association
- Motorcoach Association of South Carolina
- National Association of Motorcoach Operators
- New England Bus Association
- North Carolina Motorcoach Association
- North West Motorcoach Association
- Pennsylvania Bus Association
- South Central Motorcoach Association
- Southeastern Regional Motorcoach Operator’s Coalition
- Tennessee Motorcoach Association
- Wisconsin Motorcoach Association
- Virginia Motorcoach Association
