President Donald Trump’s new administration has introduced significant shifts for the bus and motorcoach industry, with potential regulatory rollbacks offering new opportunities and proposed tariffs raising concerns about increased operational costs.
The second day of the 2025 UMA Motorcoach EXPO kicked off with an update from the Legislative and Regulations Committee focusing on how UMA Members can navigate this transformed political landscape.
“What a difference an election makes,” said Glenn Every, chair of the committee, as he opened the UMA Legislative and Regulatory Update. “We’re navigating an entirely new environment, and there’s a lot to unpack.”
Determining the impact of tariffs
Tariffs, rarely discussed in the motorcoach industry until now, dominated the conversation. With Trump proposing tariffs on motorcoaches and parts by as much as 25%, the industry is bracing for the challenges.
“Tariffs are not just about raising revenue. They’re a negotiation tool,” explained Ken Presley, UMA’s Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. “In this case, they’re tied to border cooperation and fentanyl enforcement with Canada and Mexico. The problem is, if these tariffs take effect, operators could see substantial cost hikes at a time when margins are already tight.”
Becky Weber, Prime Policy Group, described the situation as fluid but concerning.
“President Trump believes tariffs are an effective way to extract concessions from trading partners,” she said. “Right now, there are four major tariff regimes on the table that could impact our market, including proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China. The deadlines are fast approaching, and the impact could be significant.”
While tariffs threaten to drive up costs, the new administration is expected to slow regulatory activity, a welcome shift for the bus and motorcoach industry often burdened by complex rules.
“During Trump’s first term, we saw a slowdown in new regulations, and we expect more of the same,” Presley said. “But while reduced regulation may ease some operational challenges, the tariff threat looms large.”
Budget uncertainty also hangs over the industry. Congress faces a March 14 deadline to pass an appropriations bill for the 2025 fiscal year, and the possibility of a government shutdown is real.
“We’re hearing that negotiations are at a standoff,” Weber said. “If a shutdown happens, it could affect national parks and other tourism-related operations, critical components of the motorcoach business, especially in the spring.”
She’s keeping an eye on the reauthorization of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which expires in 2026. The legislation will impact roads, driver policies, and funding programs critical to motorcoach operations.
“Reauthorization is a huge opportunity,” Presley said. “We can push for expanded use of private-sector commuter transportation and advocate for the rollback of unnecessary regulations. But this won’t happen without industry voices being heard.”
Advocacy is crucial
Weber underscored the importance of the Bus & Motorcoach Industry Legislative Fly-In, scheduled for April 1-2. Registration deadline is March 10th.
“This is where the real work happens,” she said. “When operators meet with legislators, it makes a difference. Advocacy efforts have saved the industry from costly regulations in the past, and they will again.”
While fewer regulations may be on the horizon, Presley pointed out that key leadership roles at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) remain vacant.
“We haven’t had a permanent FMCSA administrator in five years,” he said. “There’s even talk of folding the passenger carrier division into the broader trucking sector, which could lead to regulations that don’t fit the unique needs of our industry.”
One pending rule that could disrupt operations involves the FMCSA’s proposed elimination of safety fitness ratings. “If those ratings go away, third-party companies could swoop in, charging exorbitant fees for certifications,” Presley warned. “That would hit smaller operators the hardest.”
The session closed with a call to action.
“We’re facing both opportunities and threats,” Every said. “Congressional advocacy is more critical than ever.”
Weber echoed that sentiment, urging UMA members to register for FMCSA’s charter service notifications to ensure they can challenge unfair competition.
“If you’re not registered, you have no standing — it’s that simple,” she said.
As the industry adjusts to the changed political climate, UMA is focused on guiding members through the uncertainty.
“From tariffs to regulations, the stakes are high,” Presley said. “But with a unified voice, we can navigate these changes together.”
Photos by Jill Kelly of Terrapin Blue. Click here to see all the photos from the Opening Session of the 2025 UMA Motorcoach EXPO.
