BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — New federal rules, transportation laws, and state rules were the main topics during the Legislative and Regulatory Update at the 2026 UMA Motorcoach EXPO in Birmingham, Alabama.
The second full day of the EXPO, Feb. 13, brought motorcoach operators together to hear how shifting political dynamics in Washington could shape the industry’s regulatory future — and how UMA members can position themselves to respond.
“We’re watching action, reaction, and counterreaction almost daily, and the policy environment is moving incredibly fast,” said Glenn Every, Chair of the UMA Legislative and Regulatory Committee.
The meeting ended with a reminder for industry members to take part in UMA’s Washington, D.C., Fly-In on April 15–16.
Joining Every were Becky Weber, of Prime Policy Group, and Ken Presley, UMA Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Industry Relations, and Chief Operating Officer.
Action on several fronts
One main topic was a big transportation law that is updated about every five years and is due to expire on September 30. The surface transportation reauthorization establishes federal spending on roads, highways, and bridges as well as establishing new safety mandates, and very much influences how bus companies conduct their day-to-day business.
“This is really UMA’s legislative Super Bowl,” Weber said. “It affects your drivers, your vehicles, your safety regulations, everything about how you operate.”
UMA is working on several goals, including proposed legislation titled the Bus Parity and Clarity Act. This would make sure private bus companies are treated the same as public transit providers regarding tolls, especially as more cities add congestion fees when driving in busy areas.
The association is also advocating for streamlined federal paperwork by combining multiple registration filings into a single process.
While pursuing new legislative opportunities, much of UMA’s work remains focused on defending long-standing protections.
Weber said it is important to keep the federal charter service rule. This rule stops public transit systems that get government money from competing with private bus companies for charter trips.
“That protection has been in place for 53 years,” Weber said. “It would be absolutely catastrophic if it disappeared.”
She encouraged bus operators to remain registered in the Federal Transit Administration’s charter notification system to protect the rule and also help companies find new business opportunities.
“If you’re not registered, you’re missing trips and weakening your position in Congress,” Weber said.
Insurance and tariffs
Another concern is a plan to raise the federal insurance limits for companies that carry passengers.
“We started fighting increased insurance limits back in 2014,” Presley said. “The upcoming reauthorization bill is where that issue will likely surface again.”
Industry leaders warned that raising the required insurance amounts could make it difficult for bus companies that are already dealing with higher costs and fewer insurance options.
“Excess limits above the required $5 million are in short supply these days,” noted Presley. Lawyers and advocates urging Congress to raise the liability insurance limits come at a time when some insurance companies are offering lower limits, not higher.”
The panel also addressed tariffs affecting motorcoach manufacturing and pricing.
“We likely dodged a bullet,” Presley explained. “Motorcoaches now have a 10% tariff category instead of the 25% imposed on trucks. Of course, we have been making the case that motorcoaches should be exempt and will continue to do so.”
Political volatility
Looking ahead to the upcoming mid-term federal elections, Weber said the political situation is changing rapidly, with many lawmakers retiring, new voting maps being created, and the party divide in Congress narrowing.
“We’re in a very unpredictable environment,” Weber said. “There are more open seats than we’ve ever seen, and the outcome could significantly affect transportation policy.”
While fewer new federal rules are being made, speakers said, states and cities are adding more regulations, such as traffic fees, anti-idling laws, and other policies that affect bus companies.
“We look everywhere for a federal hook to help address these issues,” Weber said.
Presley added that congestion pricing is coming to more cities, and Every pointed out that the anti-idling enforcement programs in New York City and other northeast cities are becoming extremely unfair and burdensome to operators.
“We are urging state associations to be proactive now, before these programs are finalized,” Presley said. “Seeking an exemption now will make more sense to planners rather than waiting until the fees are cooked into the deal.”
The meeting ended with a reminder for industry members to take part in UMA’s Washington, D.C., Bus and Motorcoach Industry Legislative Fly-In on April 15–16, and continue to speak up for their business and the industry.
“This is where operators make the difference,” Weber said. “When lawmakers hear directly from business owners, it changes outcomes.”
Photos by Jill Kelly/Terrapin Blue
