The United Motorcoach Association has issued an urgent call to action by private operators to support a rule proposed by the Federal Transit Administration aimed at protecting private school bus companies.

The proposed FTA rule would shield private school bus contractors from unfair competition from public transit agencies whose buses and operating costs are funded in large measure by the federal government. In other words, with your tax dollars.

"Every bus and motorcoach operator has a stake in this rule," said UMA in an appeal to its members. "This proposal is good for school bus operators -- and bad for transit agencies.

"The transit industry, which is well organized and funded, is already hard at work to halt the new rule. We must work harder to save (the rule) as the school bus rule closely parallels the charter service rule that is so important to every UMA-member operator."

According to UMA, the FTA is being besieged with comments on the issue from local transit authorities.

"They must hear from private operators who are in favor of maintaining the protections Congress intended - to benefit not just private contractors but also students who deserve the safety and security of yellow school buses when traveling home to school and back.

"If FTA is forced to back down on this issue, transit authorities all over the country will seize the opportunity to use their federal subsidies to undercut the cost of school transportation. We all know that private operators cannot compete with entities whose bus purchases and operating expenses are underwritten by government grants, your tax dollars.

"You need to act now," says UMA.

"We need every UMA operator member to write a letter to FTA supporting the proposed rules."

UMA has a draft letter to help guide operators. It can be obtained by contacting Ken Presley at the association: (800) 424-8262, or e-mail kpresley@uma.org. Completed letters can be faxed to UMA at (703) 838-2950.

The association encourages members to use their own words or to add more information than is contained in the draft letter, including examples of transit encroachment they have seen in their own area.

"An original letter is better than a copied one," says the association. "If you have more than one location, please submit separate comments from each location.

"We also ask that you send a copy of your comments to your congressional representatives. If you have a relationship with your U.S. senator or representative, let him or her know personally how this issue threatens your business and the safety of the students you transport.

"Ask him or her to submit a comment supporting FTA in their proposal.

"Whether you operate private school buses or not, we need you to speak up now. Time is short and if this rule is undermined, it is only a matter of time before the charter service rule is challenged," says the association.

"Please don't procrastinate," it adds.