Two major U.S. bus trade organizations, the American
Bus Association and the United Motorcoach Association,
and The American Society of Composers, Authors &
Publishers (ASCAP), today announced that they have reached
agreement on rates and terms for performances of music
on buses. The agreement with associations covers live
and mechanical (CD’s, tapes, movies on video, etc.)
music performances on buses.
ABA and UMA each represent thousands of individual
bus companies, ranging from the smallest firms to the
largest bus lines. ASCAP has also developed a new bus
license for companies that either do not belong to the
trade associations or do not want to participate in
the trade association program. Members of the trade
associations receive a discount of more than 50% off
license fees for individual bus companies. Under the
agreement, both ABA and UMA each market the agreement
to their members, collect fees and submit reports of
licensed members, number of buses and remit payment
to ASCAP. The two associations began offering the agreement
to their members in May.
Vincent Candilora, ASCAP Senior Vice President –Licensing,
said, "We are pleased that we were able to conclude
this new agreement with ABA and UMA in a fair and equitable
manner. Licensed operators of bus companies may now
provide musical entertainment for passengers in accordance
with the copyright law. And our writers and publishers
can look forward to being compensated for performances
of their music before the vast audience of bus passengers."
Victor Parra, President and CEO of UMA commented, "We
trust that UMA members will take advantage of the discounted
rates available through the group license we have negotiated.
Our member companies take pride in ensuring the comfort
and enjoyment of their passengers. Music is an additional
element in making travel a pleasant experience."
Peter Pantuso, President and Chief Executive Officer
of ABA said, "ASCAP’s license negotiation
with recognized industry associations like ABA is advantageous
to our members, because collective bargaining gives
us negotiating leverage."
The American Bus Association, the trade association
of the intercity bus industry, represents the motorcoach
industry's interests in Washington, D.C. It also facilitates
relationships between North American motorcoach and
tour companies and all related segments of the travel
and supplier industries and promotes travel by motorcoach
to consumers. ABA represents approximately 950 motorcoach
and tour companies in the United States and Canada.
Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport
express, special operations and contract services (commuter,
school, transit).
The United Motorcoach Association ("UMA")
is North America's largest association of professional
bus and motorcoach companies. Founded in 1971 as the
United Bus Owners of America, UMA's membership now includes
over 875 motorcoach companies. UMA serves the informational,
legislative, regulatory and business needs of its member
companies. Within the membership, companies range from
one and two vehicles to those with many hundreds of
coaches; from small tour-specific companies to those
performing intercity route service, charter and tour
operations on a coast-to-coast scale.
Established in 1914, ASCAP is the world’s largest
performing right organization with over 140,000 composer,
lyricist and music publisher members. ASCAP’s repertory
spans the entire spectrum of music – from pop to
symphonic, rock to gospel, Latin to country, to jazz,
rhythm and blues, theater, film and television music.
ASCAP’s Board of Directors is made up solely of
