March 6, 2024
March 6, 2024 Contact: Abena Bonso-Bruce
For Immediate Release P: (301) 984-5700
For Imtact: Abna Bonso-Bruce
Congress Calls On General Services Administration
to Sell Used Fleet to For-Hire Transportation Industry
Fairfax, VA – COVID hit small businesses hard, none harder than the for-hire transportation industry. For two and a half years while the country was shut down, for-hire transportation vehicles sat parked. Today Congress took a major step in helping the for-hire transportation industry get back on its feet by requiring the General Services Administration (GSA) to sell half of its annual fleet it sends to auction each year directly to the for-hire transportation industry.
“We cannot thank Representative Carol Miller (R-WV), a small business owner herself, enough for introducing this legislation today. Let me be clear, this is not a government handout, nor are these vehicles being given to us,” stated Bill Yuhnke, TTA President.
“COVID-19 devastated the passenger ground transportation industry and caused a gap in transportation services available around the country. The Small Business Transportation Investment Act will help local transportation companies stay in business while providing jobs to workers and mobility to the public. This bill will require the GSA to set aside half of the annual inventory of government vehicles it auctions to the public for purchase by small businesses, ensuring the success of local companies throughout the United States,” said Congresswoman Miller.
For-hire transportation services include fleet operators in non-emergency medical transportation, on-demand transportation, taxis, and charter fleets. All of these are critical to our communities. These small businesses serve as a lifeline for individuals who may not have access to private vehicles or public transportation. In many communities, especially those with limited public transit options, private for-hire fleets provide a vital link to essential services, employment opportunities, and social activities.
For-hire transportation services contribute significantly to the local economy by providing employment opportunities for drivers and supporting various related industries such as vehicle maintenance, insurance, and fuel services. This industry is a driving force behind economic growth in communities across the nation.
For-hire transportation services play a crucial role in the "first and last mile" challenge, ensuring that individuals can seamlessly connect to major transportation hubs, enhancing the overall efficiency of public transit systems. Our industry services some of the most vulnerable populations including seniors, those with disabilities, and people with transportation and food insecurities.
“Our industry was decimated when the country shut down. A large number of our member companies lost 70, 80, 90% of their business. We survived, barely, but today we still need a partner to help us recover. As a company we try and turnover a large percentage of our fleet each year. Since COVID that has been impossible. The cost of vehicles and the shortage of vehicles have made this impossible. This new program would help us recover, while also helping protect the environment,” added Jeb Corey, CEO, C&H Taxi in Charleston.
Unlike some public transportation options, for-hire fleets often operate 24/7, providing a reliable and accessible mode of transport during emergencies, late-night shifts, and early morning commutes. This around-the-clock availability is particularly crucial for essential workers and those with non-traditional work hours.
For-hire transportation services offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing passengers to travel to their destinations directly without the constraints of fixed routes or schedules. This convenience is particularly valuable for individuals with unique travel needs, such as needing additional assistance while traveling, or those seeking a personalized and efficient mode of transportation.
The integration of technology has further enhanced the for-hire fleet experience, with apps providing easy booking, real-time tracking, and secure payment options. These advancements not only improve user experience but also contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of these services.
Shared services contribute to reducing the number of individual vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions. As most for-hire fleets offer shared ride options, they can be an environmentally conscious choice, aligning with the global push towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
“This legislation is a win-win for industry, the government, the environment, and the community. Industry gets access to newer vehicles at a price they can afford. The government ensures small businesses continue to provide needed tax revenue to the federal coffers. The environment wins by industry retiring older, less fuel-efficient vehicles while putting newer more fuel-efficient vehicles on the streets. The community also wins. When we take a vehicle off the street we donate it to a local charity, school, or family in need,” concluded Yuhnke.
About The Transportation Alliance
Established in 1917, The Transportation Alliance is a non-profit trade association of and for the private passenger transportation industry. Our extensive membership spans the globe and includes taxicab companies, executive sedan and limousine services, airport shuttle fleets, non-emergency medical transportation companies, and paratransit services.
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P: (301) 984-5700
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