10/20/2026
A proposed increase in New York City’s maximum idling penalty from $2,000 to $7,500 deserves the attention of every motorcoach operator serving the city. But the discussion also needs to address what happens at the curb when a driver is responsible for a coach full of passengers.
Transportation Advisors CEO Tom Holden is joining the call for practical reform through written testimony prepared for the New York City Council’s October 20 hearing before the Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts. Drawing on his work developing and auditing transportation safety and compliance programs, Tom offers specific recommendations that account for passenger safety, fleet operations and fair enforcement.
Among the issues he addresses:
▪ Higher penalties across an entire fleet. Proposed Int. 11-A would raise the maximum penalty by 275%, with repeat violations counted against the same company even when different vehicles are involved. Tom opposes applying that increase to private motorcoaches.
▪ Necessary engine operation. His testimony requests clear protections for activities such as maintaining air-brake pressure, operating accessibility equipment and keeping passengers safe during extreme temperatures. Students, seniors and passengers who need additional boarding assistance depend on operators getting these responsibilities right.
▪ Reforms worth supporting. Tom supports provisions addressing duplicate notices, timely notification and accountability for fraudulent evidence. He also proposes changes to make the reduced-penalty option more practical for motorcoach operators and supports transferring liability for certain violations to the party operating a leased vehicle.
“This industry does not defend unnecessary idling, and I have written the policies that tell drivers to shut down.”
That commitment is central to Tom’s testimony. Operators need clear, workable rules that support responsible environmental practices while recognizing the equipment and procedures involved in safely transporting passengers.
If your company operates in New York City, plans group travel there or works with operators who do, take a few minutes to understand the proposals and Tom’s recommendations.
Read more on our website:
https://www.theadvisors.org/nyc-motorcoach-idling-tom-holden-joins-the-call-for-practical-reform/
Please share with colleagues and industry partners who should be part of this conversation.
