2006 Press Releases

Dec. 21, 2006

FEDERAL APPEALS COURT HANDS MAJOR VICTORY TO MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY [1]

Washington, DC, December 21, 2006 -- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must consider whether bus companies are complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act when granting them operating authority, a federal appeals court has ruled. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C Circuit reversed the FMCSA and sent the case back to the agency. Fung Wah, a popular "curbside carrier" in the Northeast, operates charters at a low cost. But according to evidence provided by Peter Pan, Fung Wah fails to comply with the 1990 federal law.

Dec. 12, 2006

NEARLY $7.1 MILLION GOES TO ABA MEMBERS FOR OVER-THE-ROAD BUS ACCESSIBILITY GRANTS [2]

Washington, DC, December 12, 2006 -- Members of the American Bus Association received nearly $7 million from the Department of Transportation in grant monies that would allow bus operators to provide wheelchair accessible coaches for their passengers. Through the DOT's Federal Transit Administration, the Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program will make available nearly $7.5 million for intercity fixed route operators and other types (local fixed route, charter, tour, commuter and special operations) of bus operators in FY 2006 grants. In all, ABA members have received more than 90 percent of the grants awarded to the motorcoach industry over the past 6 years.

Dec. 6, 2006

NEARLY $7.5 MILLION GOES TO ABA MEMBERS FOR OVER THE ROAD ACCESSBILITY GRANTS [3]

Washington, DC, December 11, 2006 -- Members of the American Bus Association received nearly $7.5 million from the Department of Transportation in grant monies that would allow bus operators to provide wheelchair accessible coaches for their passengers. Through DOT's Federal Transit Administration, the Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program will make available nearly $7.5 million for intercity fixed route operators and other types (local fixed route, charter, tour, commuter and special operations) of bus operators in FY 2006 grants. In all, ABA members have received more than 90 percent of the grants awarded to the motorcoach industry.

Oct. 26, 2006

ABA ANNOUNCES NEW FOUNDATION RESEARCH GRANT TOPIC AND SCHOLARSIHP [4]

(October 26, 2006,Washington, D.C.) - American Bus Association Foundation is reaching out to rural and small-town Americans. In 2007, the ABA Foundation will offer a research grant topic specific to rural intercity motorcoach transportation. The ABA Foundation offers two $2,500 research grants to graduate students currently working towards a specialized degree in a transportation, travel, or tourism field of study. The addition of this topic is an effort on the part of the Foundation to add to the continuum of rural transportation research information. In conjunction with our research grant the Foundation will offer a scholarship for interested students to travel and attend the National Rural Public and Intercity Bus Conference taking place in 2008.

Oct. 9, 2006

ABA RELEASES NEW INDUSTRY CENSUS [5]

Washington, DC, October 9, 2006 - The motorcoach industry is demonstrating resilience and regaining its pre-9/11 strength according to two new surveys from the American Bus Association. Motorcoach Census 2005 is the first industry census since 1999 that looks at passenger traffic, vehicle count, mileage, demographics and other key data in the U.S. and Canada. Motorcoach Census 2005 is supplemented by Motorcoach Census 2006 Update, a "mini survey" that polls the industry on three key factors & passenger traffic, vehicle count, and mileage.

Oct. 2, 2006

ABA MEMBERS LEAD THE WAY IN BUS SECURITY GRANTS [6]

(October 2, 2006, Washington, D.C.) - When it comes to trying to make bus passengers secure, members of the American Bus Association are top notch. Since 2002, ABA members have received a full 90 percent of the $48.8 million in grants awarded to the motorcoach industry by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. That means that ABA members have gotten almost $40 million to secure the nation's private motorcoach industry and help protect this valuable portion of the commercial passenger transportation industry.

Sep. 6, 2006

TRAVEL GROUP RELEASES 25TH EDITION OF ANNUAL TOP 100 EVENTS IN NORTH AMERICA [7]

Washington, DC, September 6, 2006 - It's the year to celebrate motorcoach and group travel, with the release of the American Bus Association's 25th Anniversary of the Top Events in the U.S. and Canada. In its 2007 edition, the annual guide to professional travel planners and the general public highlights the top fairs, festivals, parades, exhibits, theater and shows across the U.S. and Canada. ABA, the leading trade organization for the motorcoach and group travel industry, compiles the list, which is chosen from among hundreds of events nominated by state and provincial tourism officials, and convention and visitors associations from across North America. A panel of U.S. and Canadian travel professionals bases its selections on the events' broad appeal, their accessibility to large groups arriving by motorcoach, and a variety of other criteria.

Sep. 6, 2006

ABA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF TOP 100 EVENTS [8]

Washington, DC, September 6, 2006 - With the release today of the American Bus Association's 2007 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 25 years of the Top 100 Events. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

Sep. 6, 2006

ABA RELEASES 2007 TOP 100 EVENTS [9]

Washington, DC, September 6, 2006 - Joining the 2007 U.S. Top 100 Event Winner, ABA President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso officially released the American Bus Association's 2007 Top 100 Events list today in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Jul. 26, 2006

U.S. BUS OPERATORS NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR ONTARIO'S CVOR [10]

July 26, 2006, Toronto, Ontario--As of January 1, 2006, U.S. bus operators traveling into Ontario were required to register in Ontario's Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration system (CVOR). But thanks to the work of ABA and Motor Coach Canada, the requirement has been waved.

Jun. 30, 2006

NEW SURVEY SHOWS OVERWHELMING APPROVAL WITH ABA [11]

June 30, 2006, Washington, D.C.--ABA members voiced overwhelming approval with the association, according to a recent survey.

Jun. 28, 2006

MAJOR BUS CONVOY TO ARRIVE THURSDAY IN D.C. [12]

June 28, 2006, Washington, D.C.-- Fifty years after President Eisenhower signed it into law, the Interstate Highway System will be commemorated once again in Washington.

Jun. 22, 2006

ABA JOINS IN CELEBRATION OF INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 50TH ANNIVERSARY [13]

San Francisco, CA, June 22, 2006 -- Since June 15, a convoy has been traveling across the United States to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System on which construction began June 29, 1956.

Jun. 15, 2006

NEW REPORT SHOWS IMPACT OF IDLING ON BUS EMISSIONS AND FUEL USE [14]

June 15, 2006, Washington, D.C. - More and more states and cities restrict buses from idling on the street or curb. Their aim: to help clean up the environment. But what impact does this policy really have?

Jun. 5, 2006

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS [15]

Washington, DC, June 5, 2006 - Eighteen students will each receive a $2,500 scholarship from the American Bus Association's Foundation for the 2006-07 school year, the American Bus Assocaition Foundation (ABAF) announced today. The ABAF is a nonprofit organization with an emphasis on scholarships, research, technology, and continuing education. Created in 1996, the Foundation administers the George T. Snyder Jr. Scholarship Program. George Snyder was a former ABA president; who had a lifelong interest in helping others achieve advancement opportunities through education.

May. 25, 2006

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AND MOTOR COACH CANADA FORM NORTH AMERICAN MOTORCOACH ALLIANCE [16]

Niagara Falls, Ont., May 25, 2006 -- The American Bus Association (ABA) and Motor Coach Canada (MCC) have agreed, for the mutual benefit of the motorcoach industry and on behalf of the members of their respective associations, to establish a mutual working arrangement between the two associations initially known as the North American Motorcoach Alliance, the two associations announced today.

May. 17, 2006

ABA UNVEILS WEB LOG [17]

Washington, DC, May 17, 2006 - Keeping in step with the latest technology to communicate with its members, ABA announced today the release of its Blog, Overdrive, www.busesoverdrive.org [18]. Used as a complement to ABA's traditional website, the Blog will engage audiences with commentary, perspectives on industry news and issues by reaching out to industry through the "voice" of ABA's President and CEO, Peter J. Pantuso and other industry leaders.

Apr. 7, 2006

ABA ANNOUNCES STAFF PROMOTIONS AND NEW HIRES [19]

Washington, DC, April 7, 2006 -- On the heels of a successful year including major industry wins in the recently passed highway bill and the largest and most successful annual Bus Marketplace show to date, the American Bus Association is announcing promotions and new hires in several key staff positions.

Apr. 4, 2006

ABA ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH TRAINING ALTERNATIVES GROUP [20]

Washington, DC, April 3, 2006 -- ABA members now have a new educational resource at their fingertips with the introduction of online driver safety training via the Internet. ABA has developed an exclusive partnership with Training Alternatives Group (TAG) and Pete Van Beek for discounts on these training resources for motorcoach companies and their drivers.

Mar. 29, 2006

ABA TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS ON NEED FOR INCREASED BUS SECURITY FUNDS [21]

Washington, DC, March 29, 2006 - Compared to other modes of transportation, the security needs of the private bus industry are modest but the need for federal funds is large. The industry is requesting long-term authorization and additional funding; allowing the industy the ability to engage in longer term security plan than is afforded us currently with an annual appropriation, according to testimony by ABA President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso today before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines, hearing on Transit and Over-The-Road Bus Security.

Mar. 24, 2006

ABA SCORES HUGE VICTORY IN CHARTER VIOLATION CASE [22]

Washington, DC, March 24, 2006 - Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority could lose more than $600,000 due to a ruling announced earlier this week that cited the transit agency for violations of the FTA charter bus rules. The decision was announced in American Bus Association, Inc. v. Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority, Charter Service Docket No. 2005-05, March 22, 2006. This is the first time that the FTA has used its new discretion in SAFETEA-LU, the 2005 highway and transit funding bill, to withhold funds from a transit agency for violations of the charter bus regulations. The Federal Transit Administration Regional Administrator in Chicago issued the decision.

Mar. 13, 2006

NORM LITTLER, VETERAN MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY EXPERT, JOINS ABA TEAM [23]

Washington, DC, March 13, 2006 -- After recognizing historic gains in recently enacted national transportation legislation, the American Bus Association has announced its hiring of Norm Littler, a veteran motorcoach policy analyst who has served the industry in a number of capacities for almost 30 years. The recent announcement solidifies a base of experienced government affairs professionals brought together at ABA to support the government affairs agenda for the entire motorcoach industry.

Mar. 2, 2006

ABA TESTIFIES ON CAPITOL HILL ON CURBSIDE OPERATOR ISSUE [24]

Washington, DC, March 2, 2006 -- Curbside operators often operate on the margins as well as outside the law and Congress should insist that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation do what is required to prevent these operators from compromising the safe transportation system travelers rely upon, according to testimony by ABA President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso. Pantuso and others testified today before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Subcommittee on Highways and Transit on Curbside Operators: Bus Safety and ADA Regulatory Compliance.

Mar. 2, 2006

ABA FILES CHARTER BUS VIOLATION COMMENTS WITH FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION [25]

Washington, DC, March 2, 2006 - The American Bus Association (ABA) today submitted comments to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on the negotiated rulemaking regarding charter bus rule violations.

Feb. 6, 2006

NEW INDUSTRY REPORT SHOWS BENEFITS, IMPACT OF MOTORCOACHES ON SOCIETY AND ECONOMY [26]

Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 6, 2006 - More than 774 million people in the U.S. use motorcoaches each year, twenty-five percent more than the airline industry (611 million) and 100 percent more than Amtrak and the commuter rail industry combined (369 million), according to a new report issued by the American Bus Association today. The report was developed by Nathan Associates, Inc.

Feb. 5, 2006

ABA RELEASES 2006 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY [27]

Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 5, 2006 - For the majority of the companies in the motorcoach group travel industry, 2005 began with continued and steady growth, as consumers both increased travel activity and expanded their travel interests, according to the 2006 State of the Motorcoach Industry, released by the American Bus Association (ABA). Travel was brisk to perennial favorites like New York City and Branson, Missouri, while motorcoach operators discovered new destinations like Brandywine, Pennsylvania, Moosenee, Ontario, and Traverse City, Michigan. This week, ABA released its annual review at the 2006 ABA Marketplace. The report, a mostly positive analysis, anticipating growth in the year ahead precedes a number of ABA reports to follow this week, that are also expected to present more positive industry news.

Feb. 5, 2006

ABA ELECTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS; NEW FOUNDATION BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPOINTED [28]

Nashville, Tenn., February 5, 2006 - Six new board members were elected to the American Bus Association's Board of Directors earlier this week, during the association's annual American Bus Marketplace meeting in Nashville, Tenn. Of particular note is the election of two new tour operators to the Board. During the association's Fall 2005 Board meeting in Washington, DC, the Board voted to create a category specifically for tour operators.

Feb. 4, 2006

ABA KICKS OFF 80TH ANNIVERSARY IN DRIVE [29]

Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 4, 2006 - Formed in 1926 as the motor bus division of the American Automobile Association, the American Bus Association this year is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a look back on the progress in the industry and the stewardship of the association.

Jan. 26, 2006

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEET AT MARKETPLACE [30]

Grapevine, Texas, January 26, 2007 - The Board of Directors of the American Bus Association met today at the association's Marketplace, and among other items, nominated and elected Doug Anderson, president, Anderson Coach and Travel as the new ABA Chairman, and Craig Lentzsch, President and CEO, Coach America, Vice Chairman.