ABA Member Alerts are time-sensitive communications containing important information for your business, a call to action or both. Each member receives the alerts via email the day they are sent out. Member Alerts are archived below in the event you ever need to refer back to them.
DHS Announces Over $11.5 Million Available for FY 2010 Bus Security Grants
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the availability of $11.52 million in intercity bus security grants. DHS has begun accepting applications for this latest round of security grant funding for the motorcoach industry through the government's grant solicitation website, www.grants.gov.U.S. DOT Releases Motorcoach Safety Action Plan
The U.S. Department of Transportation this afternoon released its “Motorcoach Safety Action Plan,” which includes the need for more aggressive enforcement to get rogue operators off of the road, enhanced operator safety oversight, invigorated vehicle safety maintenance, and a focus on crash avoidance technologies as well as occupant protection.ABA Offers TripBuilder EventMobile™ For Marketplace 2010
ABA is proud to offer a new, FREE member benefit for the Capital Region Marketplace Jan. 15-19, 2010 at the Gaylord National outside Washington, DC. ABA has forged a new partnership with TripBuilder EventMobile™ for Marketplace 2010 that will provide delegates with a free leading-edge tool using innovative mobile event trade show technology to make more efficient use of their time during the show.Jane Derthick Passes Away At 73
Jane Bailey Derthick, 73, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer.NTSB Concludes Lax Enforcement Implicated In Texas Bus Crash
Lax law enforcement and inadequate regulatory oversight by Texas officials were cited as major factors in the rogue operator bus crash that killed 17 people and injured 39 in Sherman, Texas on August 8, 2008. NTSB investigators also reported that the driver tested positive post-crash for cocaine and alcohol use. The direct cause of the crash was a blowout from an underinflated tire with a slow leak that wasn’t checked before the trip.DOT Announces Driver Pre-Employment Screening Program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced last week that it will spearhead a new Driver Pre-Employment Screening Program allowing commercial bus companies to access driver inspection and crash records as part of the hiring process.Government Seeks Tougher Laws On Distracted Driving
Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced plans last week to seek recommendations to restrict cell phone use and texting for drivers across all modes of surface transportation, including buses, except in emergencies.H1N1 (Swine Flu) Guidance/Tools For Bus, Tour & Travel Industry
ABA staff just participated in the invitation-only joint Department of Homeland Security/Centers for Disease Control private sector communications teleconference this afternoon regarding H1N1. Other participants from the travel industry included the American Trucking Associations and the National Association of Truck Stop Operators.Take H1N1 Precautions As Back-to-School Season Begins
August 24- As summer draws to a close and students go back to school, concerns over the H1N1 virus are again making headlines. As travel professionals who have a large customer base comprised of students, it is of the utmost importance that the motorcoach, tour and travel industry leads the efforts to combat H1N1 this coming flu season.Senate Panel OKs 18-Month Transportation Plan Over House Objections
July 17- House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) has suggested publicly he is considering he may take his fight for the $500 billion, six-year highway bill to a House-Senate conference following a Senate committee’s passage of an 18-month extension he termed “irresponsible.”Update on U.S. Transportation Reauthorization Legislation
July 14 - In light of the continuing controversy surrounding the reauthorization of the nation’s surface transportation programs and the importance of reauthorization to the motorcoach industry this memorandum will bring you up to date on the efforts of ABA staff in connection with reauthorization.
View the STAA OTRB provisions proposed modifications.
Charter Rule Is Under Attack
May 27 - Over a year ago a congressionally mandated negotiating team comprised of transit agencies, private bus companies, ABA, UMA, unions and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) worked out the details of a revised charter bus regulation to more fully protect the private sector and to prevent the transit agencies from illegally assuming charters. This negotiated agreement led to the rule that took effect spring of 2008.Motorcoach Access to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
May 21 - Effective May 20 there was a traffic pattern that changed on Madison Drive along the National Mall in front of the National Museum of American History (NMAH) due to a construction effort that will be ongoing for the next several months.North Carolina To Ban The Disposal Of Oil Filters By October 2009
May 21 - In 2005 the General Assembly of North Carolina established an act to “prohibit the disposal of motor vehicle oil filters, rigid plastic containers, wooden pallets, and oyster shells in landfills” by 2009.Bus Security Funds Imperiled
May 11 - The Obama administration proposed as part of its 2010 budget the elimination of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP), claiming “the awards are not based on risk assessment, and the homeland security investments in intercity bus security should be evaluated in the context of the risks faced and relative benefits to be gained.”U.S. Department of Transportation “Motorcoach Safety Action Plan”
April 30 - ABA today embraced the plan by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to conduct a full review of motorcoach safety, the findings of which will be used to create a “Motorcoach Safety Action Plan” by August 2009.NTSB Hearing Issues Recommendations Regarding Utah Crash
April 22 - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Hearing April 21 on the January 6, 2008 Utah bus crash focused on a list of recommendations to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the motorcoach industry.ABA Congratulates FY 2009 Bus Security Grant Recipients, Looks For Help to Preserve Future Grant Money
April 10 - The American Bus Association offers its congratulations to the 71 recipients of the fiscal year 2009 federal security grant funds to implement strategies, exercises, and technologies designed to mitigate the threats to the passengers and facilities of motorcoach operations.Bus Exemption From NY Tourism Tax Model For Other States
April 6 - New York Gov. David Paterson’s (D) budget, approved Friday with “revenue bills” including the “transportation services tax,” had originally listed motorcoaches in its list of vehicles to which the tax would apply. Exemption of motorcoaches in the final bill is the function of recognition by state lawmakers that motorcoaches are critical to mobility.Support New Jersey Legislation To Ban Bus Taxes
March 26 - ABA urges operators to attend a press conference April 3rd in Atlantic City to show support for bill SB 2192, which would “prohibit imposition of corporate business tax on foreign (out-of-state) corporations whose only contact with the state is carrying passengers in and out of the state in a motor vehicle or motorbus.” The bill was introduced by Senator Jeff Van Drew (D) in October 2008; a companion bill has been introduced in the Assembly, cosponsored by Assemblymen Milam, Albano and Burzichelli, all Democrats.Urge New York Legislators To Stop The Tourism Tax
March 17 - New York Gov. David Paterson's (D) proposed budget includes a provision that would unfairly tax motorcoach tourists and companies by retroactively charging a sales tax that could be as high as 10 percent in some parts of New York State. All New York-based ABA operators and travel partners are urged to contact their elected officials in Albany to prevent the passage of a Transportation Services Tax on the motorcoach, travel and tour industry. The proposed tax would reduce tourism as customers look elsewhere and the overall cost of travel rises. This tax hurts the entire industry, and could seriously damage many companies' vitality in the current economy. Please take just a few minutes to let your legislators know your opposition.Operators Encouraged To Write Congress On Interest In Charter Work
March 16 - The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) proposed revisions of the school bus regulations offer an opportunity for more ABA member operators to provide school bus transportation. ABA urges all operators to write their Members of Congress to support the FTA’s proposal that would clarify Congressional intent that federal funding for public transportation was never intended to prevent independently owned and operated bus companies from providing school bus transportation. Indeed, the use of federal funding gives transit grantees an unfair advantage over independent school bus operators.ABA Urges Unpaid Operators To Write Congress For Evacuation Funds
March 10 - Many ABA motorcoach operator members have reported challenges in receiving payment for equipment used to evacuate Texas residents during recent hurricanes.Stimulus Includes $100M+ For Rural Intercity Bus Projects In States
February 13 - More than $100 million will be distributed to the states for rural intercity bus capital projects under the President’s special economic stimulus package moving through Congress today. This additional funding from the stimulus package will more than double the amounts available for rural intercity bus projects through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 5311(f) grant program.ABA Urges Texas To Pay Operators For Hurricane Evacuation Help
February 6 - ABA wrote a letter this week to Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) urging that the Lone Star state expedite its payment to bus operators who provided critical assistance in several recent hurricane evacuations, including Ike in 2008, among others.ABA Testifies Before New York City Council Against Proposed Idling Bill
January 28 - ABA testified before the New York City Council January 26th as the lone dissenting voice representing the motorcoach industry, opposing a proposed idling bill that would restrict motorcoach idling adjacent to schools to one minute.2008
DHS Announces Nearly $12 million Available for FY 2009 Bus Security Grants
November 5 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the availability of $11.68 million in intercity bus security grants. DHS has begun accepting applications for this latest round of security grant funding for the motorcoach industry through the government’s grant solicitation website, www.grants.gov.Election Day Means Choices – Why ABA & Marketplace Should Be Yours
November 4 - When you're traveling, making your connections is critical for your business. When you're in the travel business, making your connections is your business. ABA doesn’t just stand for American Bus Association. It also stands for Accelerating Business – Always.Protect Your Passengers, Protect Yourself With ABA Safety Tools
October 24 - As a responsible operator, you know how important it is to protect your passengers. With ABA’s new “Motorcoach Passenger Safety Messaging” tools, you can also protect yourself against legal headaches. Protecting your passengers protects yourself.Make Sure Your Company Complies With FMCSA Safety Message Guidelines
October 14 - Increased media coverage of illegal operators makes it essential that responsible operators show their ongoing commitment to safety. If you haven’t ordered your ABA “Motorcoach Passenger Safety Message” videos, CDs or seatback cards, now is the time!ABA Announces 10-Point Plan To Stop Illegal Operators
September 17 - ABA is sending out the following press release and 10-point plan of action for a government crackdown on illegal bus operators.Operators Urged To Attend Final Charter Rules Meetings September 11-12
September 5 - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced two final sessions on charter regulations review for the bus industry Thursday, Sept 11 in Long Beach, CA and Friday, September 12 in Seattle, WA.“Motorcoach Passenger Safety Message” Videos, Cards & CDs Now Ready
September 4 - To help operators comply with new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) pre-trip passenger safety messaging guidelines, ABA’s “Motorcoach Passenger Safety Message” videos, seatback cards and audio CDs carrying key safety messages are now complete and ready for shipment.Save the Date for East Coast Charter Rules Meeting August 20; FMCSA NPRM To Discontinue Route Filling Procedure For Regular Route Motor Carriers
August 11 - AThe Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced an upcoming session on charter regulations review for the bus industry on Wednesday, August 20 near Baltimore, MD.ABA “Motorcoach Passenger Safety Video” & Laminated Card Quantities
July 28 - ABA’s “Motorcoach Passenger Safety Message” project to assist operators by offering videos, laminated cards and CDs carrying the required FMCSA pre-trip passenger safety messages is nearly complete, and will soon be ready for shipment to help operators comply with the new regulations. The 3-1/2 minute video features topics ranging from emergency egress to proper passenger decorum to ensure safe travel.ABA Provides Comments To Congress On Bus-Friendly Vision Of DC’s Union Station; FMCSA Hosting Online Driver Alertness Meeting August 5
July 22 - ABA provided comments today to a key Congressional committee that Washington, DC’s Union Station should be designated an intermodal hub welcoming all modes of transportation.Contact Congress Now To Stop Oil Speculation
July 17 - ABA urges all members to contact Congress to express their support for the “Stop Excessive Speculation Act” introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to crack down on shady speculators in the oil market who are driving up fuel prices for every American.NTSB Hearing Recommends Actions Following Bluffton Bus Crash
July 8 - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) today held a hearing to report findings of its investigation into the March 2, 2007 bus crash in Atlanta, which killed the driver, his wife and five passengers from the Bluffton (Ohio) University baseball team.Save the Date for July 17th Charter Rules Meeting in Illinois
July 3 - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a session on charter regulations review for the bus industry on the afternoon of Thursday, July 17 in Illinois.Time & Place For June 17 FTA Charter Rules Meeting
June 6 - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has confirmed the location for the New Jersey meeting on charter regulations review for the bus industry scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 17, as ABA announced earlier this week.Save The Date For June 17 FTA Meeting In New Jersey
June 4 - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced it will be holding a session on charter regulations review for the bus industry on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 17 in New Jersey, the location of which will be announced shortlyD.C. Judge Upholds Charter Bus Fees
May 16 - In a decision issued from the bench at a hearing on May 16, D.C. Superior Court Judge Jeannette Clark upheld the validity of the District’s new charter bus fees.New Charter Bus Rules Have Been Implemented, Register Today!
May 15 - All ABA operator members should be aware that the new Charter Bus Regulations (49 CFR 604) that were negotiated by the private motorcoach industry, public transit agencies, transportation unions and the Federal Transit Administration under a grant of authority by Congress have now gone into effect as of April 30, 2008.Charter Operators Urged To Attend FTA Special Meeting
April 16 - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has received numerous petitions from operators for waivers to provide charter work. As a result, ABA and its coalition partners at International Motorcoach Group and United Motorcoach Association are working with FTA to bring private operators together for a charter education program in Austin, Texas May 6th in conjunction with the APTA Bus & Paratransit Conference.ABA Scores Key Industry Victory On Congestion Pricing
March 31 - ABA has scored a key victory for the industry by helping to facilitate the precedent-setting action of New York officials in crafting a revised congestion pricing proposal that recognizes the critical role private intercity buses fulfill as a component of any transportation solution. The new bill treats all buses equitably and would exempt them from the proposed $8 daily rush-hour fee to enter Manhattan.Operators Urged To Register With FTA For Charter Opportunities
February 26 - ABA encourages all operator members to register with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as soon as possible in every jurisdiction of a transit operator or state in which they wish to receive information on new charter opportunities.The MARKET At Marketplace Adds Buses, Exhibitors In First-Ever One-Day-Only ABA Showcase Event Saturday, February 2
January 25 - In only its first year, The MARKET at Marketplace is proving to be a “can’t miss” one-day-only show for bus operators looking to expand their business opportunities.Transportation Commission Recommends 40-Cents Per Gallon Fuel Tax January 15 - Hike
January 15 - The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission today released its report, http://www.transportationfortomorrow.org, which recommends increasing fuel taxes 25-40 cents per gallon to be phased in over five years at a yearly rate of five to eight cents per gallon.2007
Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) Introduce Bus Safety Legislation
November 8 - Senators Brown and Hutchison introduced a new motorcoach safety bill, saying in a press release that "we need stronger safety regulations." Citing the Atlanta crash eight months ago of a motorcoach carrying Bluffton University student athletes, Brown said: "This bill takes the lessons learned from the tragic events of the Bluffton University baseball team's motorcoach accident, and aims to correct them for future riders. It will ensure that motorcoaches are built, equipped, and operated to be as safe as possible."
