Items for Consideration for Regulatory Review
The American Bus Association (ABA) appreciates the opportunity to input on items of interest to the motorcoach industry that we would look forward to the new Administration reviewing as they settle into office. ABA strongly supports the initiative begun under the first Trump Administration to evaluate the continued necessity, validity, and efficacy of existing transportation regulations and agency actions (e.g., guidance) and determining recommendations for repeal, replacement, or modification without compromising safety.
Based on the types of operations conducted by ABA members, various federal agencies exercise oversight of our industry. For this reason, please reference the agency of jurisdiction for any regulatory items you describe. You do not need a perfect regulatory citation (although it is appreciated) as our staff can look them up and make the necessary references.
Additionally, you are free to submit to various agencies on your own. The current agencies accepting feedback are listed below, along with the portal link and submission deadline date:
- OMB Effort – https://www.regulations.gov/ (Due May 12)
- US DOT effort – https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2025-0026-0001 (Due May 5) or Transportation.RegulatoryInfo@dot.gov (no due date)
- SBA Effort – https://advocacy.sba.gov/hotline/ (no due date)
- DOJ Effort – https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-launches-anticompetitive-regulations-task-force and https://www.regulations.gov/document/ATR-2025-0001-0002 (Due May 27)
- FTC Effort – https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2025-0028/document?withinCommentPeriod=true (Due May 27)
- DOI Effort – https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOI-2025-0005-0001 and Interior.RegulatoryInfo@doi.gov (Due July 21)
Some simple examples of ABA’s submissions thus far have included:
Remove ADA Fleet acquisition requirements and reporting – 49 CFR 37.183 and 49 CFR 37.213
Modify FTA Safety Committee for private carriers – 49 USC § 5329(d)
CA/WA Meal and Rest Break Waiver Request Dismissal – 49 U.S.C. 31141(d)
Remove Form MP-1 Filing Requirement – 49 CFR 369.4
Make permanent NHTSA 3-Point Seatbelt Exemption on Entertainer Coaches – 49 CFR 571
Remove CDL Under-the-hood test requirement – 49 CFR 383.113(a)(1)(i)
Modify 5311(f) governor certification and funds transfer – 49 CFR 5311(f)(2)
If you have any questions, please contact our staff directly at bbuchanan@buses.org or call (202) 218-7227. You can also send over your input using the form below.
