ROCKY VIEW, AB – Members of the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) Executive Committee recently met with province’s Infrastructure and Transportation Minister, Brian Mason and Deputy Minister Greg Bass.

This was the first formal meeting the group has had with the ministers, and a generous period of time was extended to provide it with an opportunity to brief the ministers on the associations key priorities, according to AMTA’s most recent newsletter.

It describes the NDP cabinet as one of the smallest in recent years with just 12 cabinet posts, down from 20 under the previous government.

For the bus and trucking industry to effectively meet the transportation needs of Albertans, AMTA said it has identified two key priorities for action – mandatory commercial driver training and wide-based single tires.

“Both of these items have been discussed with Alberta Transportation for some time now and we are hopeful that Minister Mason will embrace the benefits these agenda items will deliver to Albertans,” said AMTA in its newsletter. “Mandatory commercial driver training will lead to safer roads and make professional driving a more attractive occupation for Alberta job seekers. Wide-based single tires contribute to a cleaner environment and enhance economic efficiency.”

According to the group, Minister Mason was once a transit bus operator and is described as focused on transportation safety for all users of Alberta roadways.

“For both sides, this first meeting was very informational and we look forward to further meetings,” said AMTA.