Member Benefits

The Industry Voice

Depend on ABA to monitor key legislative issues in North America and influence regulatory issues that affect the industry. ABA's Washington, D.C., location enables our professional staff to speak up for the interests of our operator members to the U.S. Congress and federal agencies on transportation, tax, tourism, and business issues.

Experience

Affiliation with the industry's oldest and most experienced bus and group travel association.

Professional Ethics [1]

Every ABA member must sign the ABA Code of Ethics. An active ethics committee works hard to ensure that members represent the highest professional standards in the industry. Members then have the right to display the ABA logo in organizational literature and advertisements.

Industry Safety [2]

ABA leads the ongoing effort to maintain and enhance the industry's safe performance. The association's Bus Industry Safety Council actively works on regulatory and training issues that keep travel by motorcoach one of the safest forms of transportation.

Premium Partnerships [3]

Programs aimed at helping ABA members get business and save money are a key element of our member benefit package. Passenger protection insurance and discounts on drug and alcohol testing, office products, and shipping are included in the cost-saving programs through a number of partnerships.

The American Bus Marketplace [4]

The leading business event in the motorcoach and group travel industry, Marketplace brings operator buyers and travel industry sellers from all over North America together for one-on-one tour itinerary planning. The weeklong event also features business training, professional development seminars, and an exhibit show.

Education [5]

The ABA's Certified Travel Industry Specialist Program [6] offers continuing education through Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis to sharpen and enhance members' professional skills. It's the first university-administered certification program in the group travel industry. Additionally, there are Education Seminars held during American Bus Marketplace week focusing on business management and professional development.

Free Service of Process

ABA membership relieves operators of a costly and time-consuming regulatory burden by providing free service of process. ABA completes the necessary paperwork, including all updates and sees that it's filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation at no cost to members.

Regulatory Compliance Assistance

ABA's government relations department gives members the answers they need, often calling on key government officials as well as a network of consultants and experts.

BUSPAC [7]

ABA's political action committee is funded by voluntary personal contributions from its members, enabling ABA to be an active participant in the political process. BUSPAC annually raises more than $50,000 to support those U.S. senators and representatives who support ABA members and our industry objectives.

State Provincial Motorcoach Associations

ABA maintains close ties with state and provincial bus associations through meetings and regular communications to stay up-to-date on issues affecting members on the local level.

News You Can Use

The ABA Insider [8] is the must-read news source for the motorcoach, tour and travel industry. It is published every other Monday, and features original reporting found nowhere else, interviews with top industry movers, and everything from regulatory coverage to the latest travel trends. Destinations [9] is the magazine of record for the North American motorcoach tour and travel market, a full-color glossy packed with new ideas for exciting tours and charters to motorcoach-friendly attractions, as well as tips for operators and practical business strategies. Annual subscriptions to both are included in your ABA membership.

The ABA Motorcoach Marketer [10]

This comprehensive, must-have ABA membership directory is a tour/charter/equipment/service resource that includes operator, travel industry, and associate members. Every member has a listing in the Marketer, making it the top industry annual for planning.