Transportation For Tomorrow? Motorcoach Travel!

Posted by ABA President Peter Pantuso January 15, 2008

The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission today released its report, http://www.transportationfortomorrow.org [1], 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, per year.

The Commission said the country needs to invest at least $225 billion annually and possibly as much as $340 billion annually for the next 50 years to upgrade the transportation network. Congestion cost the economy about $78 billion in 2005, and that figure will likely increase over the next 50 years, as the U.S. population is expected to grow by about 120 million people.

While we may not agree on all of their recommendations, ABA applauds the work of the Commission for identifying the need to revitalize our aging infrastructure, a problem brought to light by the tragic Minneapolis bridge collapse last August.

But it is simply incorrect to assume that preparing to meet the challenges that come with having the ideal "Transportation For Tomorrow" must necessarily include spending vast sums of taxpayer money on new programs. Solutions to many intercity connectivity needs are available here today -- and for tomorrow?

Motorcoach travel already exists as a cost-effective solution to relieving congestion without having to spend on other modes that don't use roads.

Each full motorcoach takes up to 55 autos off of our gridlocked highways. Motorcoaches top all other means of mobility by getting a whopping 184 miles per gallon when measured by passenger. And motorcoaches easily use the roads that already exist, requiring no new expensive intercity connectivity systems.

Congressional committees are expected to hold several hearings to discuss the Commission's recommendations, which are likely to shape the debate over transportation authorization in 2009.

ABA will be sure to remind our lawmakers of the common-sense solutions to transportation challenges motorcoach travel offers. Not just today, but for tomorrow.

"Transportation for tomorrow" is as simple as making sure motorcoaches are included as an integral part of planning for the future mobility needs of our growing country. I welcome your comments on how we can all work together to make sure this message is heard loud and clear by policy-makers at all levels motorcoach travel offers. Not just today, but for tomorrow.