Using Passenger Bus Organizations
Passenger bus organizations keep members current of issues affecting the busing industry
Passenger buses organizations provide a variety of resources for bus companies. Aside from keeping bus companies updated on any changes made to driver licensing, training, safety and maintenance requirements, organizations also educate owners of trends in the industry through conferences and exhibitions.Another service provided by associations is educating the passenger bus industry of new and upcoming tourist “hot spots” so that they can add to their tour itinerary. In addition to providing information as to what makes a location a prime tourist destination, they also inform the bus company of hotels, restaurants and rest areas that have services in place to accommodate passenger buses.
Other ways to using passenger bus organizations to your advantage include:
1. Keeping abreast of legislative initiatives that may impact the busing industry
2. Attending trade shows, expositions and conventions
3. Allowing potential clients to review the safety records of your bus company
Join a regional busing organization to stay abreast of local issues affecting the busing industry
A regional busing association membership can keep you informed of legislative bills that, if passed, will have an impact on passenger bus companies.
Try: The California Bus Association and the Pennsylvania Bus Association are two regional passenger bus associations that are actively involved in protecting the interests of the passenger bus companies by protesting legislative bills that will have a negative impact on the industry.
Attend trade shows to remain current with issues affecting the passenger bus organizations
Attending trade shows, expositions and conventions is an effective way to remain current with issues affecting the busing industry. Topics covered at passenger bus organization events can include issues affecting fuel purchases, fuel management, the future of alternative fuels, financial management and driver retention.
Try: Attend the annual expositions such as the United Motorcoach Exposition or the BusCon Exposition cosponsored by the American Bus Association.
Allow potential clients to examine the safety record of your passenger bus organization
Before signing a contract with any passenger bus company, clients want to be aware of that company's safety record to help ensure the safety of their passengers.
Try: The American Bus Association provides an overview of the Federal Rules and Regulations such as driver qualifications, insurance and maintenance requirements bus associations are required to meet. Utilize the Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System (SAFER) system to review the safety record, safety rating (if available), crash information and roadside out-of-service inspection summary of bus associations.
- An additional advantage of a passenger bus membership is the inclusion in their online membership directory, which may be accessible to the public. This inclusion can be a form of advertising for your company when there are individuals using passenger bus organizations as a search engine to find a company in their geographic area. Membership in a regional or national bus association gives potential clients some sort of assurance that they will be dealing with a reputable company.
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