Safety and Security

The National Park Service’s Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) program—required for operators conducting business in parks—creates a patchwork of duplicative fees, permits, and reporting standards that vary from park to park. These inconsistencies add significant administrative and financial burdens for motorcoach operators. 

For group tour companies serving multiple parks, the process can delay access, increase costs, and reduce service availability—especially for student and senior groups.

ABA is advocating for a single, standardized CUA valid across all parks, along with simplified reporting requirements, to ensure equitable, efficient access for all.

CDL requirements are essential for safety—but inconsistent policies and evolving standards can burden motorcoach operators with added training costs, compliance confusion, and workforce limitations.

ABA supports uniform, data-driven CDL regulations that promote road safety while ensuring fair treatment for all commercial drivers across industries and states.

Without regulatory consistency, operators face delays in onboarding new drivers, further straining an already tight labor market.

FMCSA regulations affect every aspect of bus operations—from hours-of-service rules to electronic logging devices and safety ratings. Policy shifts can create compliance challenges that affect schedules, staffing, and costs. 

ABA monitors FMCSA activity to keep members informed in real time and to advocate for policies that reflect the realities of passenger transportation, not just freight.

Through active engagement, we help ensure motorcoach operators have a voice in shaping safety regulations that are both practical and effective.

Increase funding and expand eligible use cases for the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Intercity Bus Security Grant Program. 

While the case involved freight trucking, the Supreme Court’s reasoning reaches beyond freight. The Court held that federal transportation law does not automatically bar negligent-selection claims when motor vehicle safety is at issue.

That principle can apply to any party involved in arranging transportation, including brokers and others who select a motor carrier. In practical terms, choosing who operates the trip may carry legal consequences if reasonable care is not used in selecting the carrier.

The Association is digging into this issue to understand all the ramifications and opportunities this SCOTUS decision opens up regarding brokers.