BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Standing before a ballroom filled with drivers, mechanics, and motorcoach company owners and management, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Derek D. Barrs praised the frontline workers responsible for safely transporting hundreds of thousands of passengers each day.
“You are the unsung heroes of safety in this industry,” Barrs told drivers and technicians gathered at the United Motorcoach Association’s 2026 EXPO awards gala on Feb. 13 during the UMA Motorcoach EXPO from Feb. 11-14. “Your work may not always be visible to passengers, but it protects every mile they travel. Safety begins with you.”
The remarks set the tone for a visit that industry leaders say marked a renewed relationship between federal regulators and the bus and motorcoach community, emphasizing communication and shared responsibility for highway safety.
Barrs, joined by Stephanie Mann, Tennessee Division Administrator and Acting Division Administrator for Alabama, met with operators, vendors and association leadership, toured the expo floor and participated in discussions about operational and regulatory challenges facing passenger carriers.
The visit drew a strong response from attendees, culminating in a standing ovation following Barrs’ speech.
“It was the first time in the memory of a lot of attendees that an FMCSA administrator got a standing ovation for his speech,” said Glenn Every, chair of UMA’s Legislative & Regulatory Committee. “He emphasized that he intends to be a partner to the industry, and that we’re all in this together for safety.”
‘Strengthening that partnership’
Throughout his remarks, Barrs emphasized the human side of commercial transportation, highlighting the role motorcoaches play in connecting communities across the country.
“Motorcoaches occupy a special place in American life,” he said. “You move families on vacation, transport students, bring fans to major sporting events and connect communities. That’s not just transportation — that’s connection.”
Industry leaders said the focus on drivers, mechanics and daily operations resonated with attendees accustomed to discussions centered primarily on compliance and enforcement.
“When passengers board your buses, they don’t see regulations or compliance metrics,” Barrs said. “They see a driver they trust, and a company committed to safety. They feel safe — and that’s because of you.”
Barrs also addressed concerns within the motorcoach sector about federal engagement.
“I understand that at times the motorcoach industry may have felt the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration hasn’t given you the attention and partnership you deserve,” Barrs said. “I hear you, and I’m committed to strengthening that partnership.”
Working together
During a working lunch with United Motorcoach Association board members, Barrs discussed regulatory challenges and encouraged closer coordination between companies and FMCSA’s state division administrators.
Scott Michael, UMA president and CEO, described the conversations as constructive.
“Administrator Barrs met with the board and discussed the issues that members are facing,” Michael said. “He appreciated hearing everyone’s concerns and encouraged members to work closely with their division administrators.”
Michael said Barrs’ engagement left industry leaders optimistic about future collaboration.
“He’s only been in office for a few months, but he has already brought a breath of fresh air to the administration,” Michael said. “We look forward to working with him over the next few years and accomplishing great things together.”
Barrs emphasized that passenger transportation plays a central role in FMCSA’s national safety mission.
“Our mission does not say to reduce crashes involving only trucks,” he said. “It says to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries involving large trucks and buses, and we cannot accomplish that mission alone.”
Photos by Jill Kelly/Terrapin Blue
