The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) is holding its annual Spring Bus-In on Capitol Hill this week, where members and industry experts will take part in nearly 200 congressional meetings. The meetings taking place Tuesday and Wednesday cover a wide range of topics including the federal Compliance, Safety and Accountability program and the drug testing of commercial drivers.
“This event is incredibly important to our members and for our Association.” NSTA President Tim Flood told School Transportation News Online. “Spending time in our nation’s capital as a group speaking to our legislators about our most pressing issues is critical to our success.”
The NSTA members are meeting with several congressional representatives to discuss the reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs, which will be deliberated and voted on by Congress later this year. Private school bus contractors also spoke with congressional representatives to discuss issues including minimum levels of financial responsibility, Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) program reform and concerns with utilization of hair follicle testing for federal drug tests.
NSTA President Tim Flood was also joined by STA President-Elect Todd Monteferrario, Secretary-Treasurer Steve Hey and Government Relations Chairman John Corr, as well as members of the American School Bus Council.
NSTA Executive Director Ronna Weber said the meetings were “successful and productive.”
