State looking at regulation of Nevada charter buses

The Transportation Services Authority of Nevada is studying how a new federal law could affect in-state charter bus operations.

But commissioners, who will seek public comments next month, are in the dark about what the law means because specific rules haven't been written.

The Transportation Equity Act, commonly referred to as "TEA 21," provides funds for highway projects to the states. But one section of the law, signed in June by President Clinton, deregulates some portions of the charter bus industry.

TSA commissioners have few answers for industry members who ask how they interpret the law. The attorney general's staff has been asked to research it.

TSA Commissioner Donald Soderberg's preliminary analysis of TEA 21 indicates it does not limit a state's ability to regulate taxi or limousine service. It also doesn't restrict a state's ability to enforce safety regulations and insurance requirements.

But how it applies to charter buses is vague because there are no guidelines defining vehicle sizes and types.

Commissioners scheduled workshops on TEA 21 on Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. in Las Vegas and on Sept. 15 in Sparks.

Jim Gleich, vice president of Coach USA-Las Vegas, the parent company of Gray Line of Las Vegas and K-T Services Inc., two of the largest charter operators in Southern Nevada, said area industry professionals have begun reviewing what impact TEA 21 will have on them.

"It's a hot topic in the industry right now," Gleich said. "It's going to be discussed in detail at Buscon (a major bus convention) and the Airport Ground Transportation Association in Chicago next month."

As to the impact locally, Gleich said area professionals are attempting to learn more about how regulators will interpret the law before determining if it will affect them.

Robert Barringer, general manager of Travelways Las Vegas, parent company of Protrav Services Inc. and Adventure Charters & Tours, said he doesn't expect the TEA 21 law to have a great impact on his operation.

He feels deregulation of the industry won't affect local illegally operating charter companies.

"The federal law is supposed to open up the market, but there already are several operators here that don't comply," Barringer said. "We comply with all laws, but a lot of our competitors do not. Because we comply and run a safe quality company, there really isn't much impact on us."

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