business backgrounder | industry
Matt McNamara and Jorge Lyon-Mendoza of Starline replacing the brake discs on
one of the company’s buses.
getting involved
Starline executives know firsthand that what happens in nation’s and
state capitals can affect their bottom line.
The company used to provide shuttles for the Seahawks and Husky
football games. But two years ago, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Seattle, added a clause to the federal transportation spending bill exempting King
County Metro from the federal charter rule. That rule states that public
transit agencies are not allowed to use federally funded buses to operate
charters if a private carrier is available and able to do the work.
The exemption allowed King County Metro to offer shuttles to sporting events, including the football games. Starline lost that business,
which contributed to the company laying off 32 employees, Gillis said.
The company makes sure its views are heard in Olympia through
the AWB and the Northwest Motor Coach Association. Starline has
recently been advocating for private charter bus companies to be able
to use public park-and-ride parking lots during off-peak hours.
As of now, if a large group plans on going skiing or to an athletic
event or conference, they’re not allowed to park in those public spaces
if they’re taking a chartered bus, Gillis said.
Gillis believes the taxpayers have a right to use the facilities. And,
as with the construction of Starline’s new
headquarters, Gillis’ passion for the environment plays a key role.
Starline Luxury Coaches:
“The more we can get people out of their
www.discoverstarline.com
cars and into buses, the more we reduce
emissions and traffic congestion.”
50 association of washington business