ABA released a statement by ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso regarding the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s introduction and passage of a surface transportation reauthorization bill:
“We commend Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), along with Chairman Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Ranking Member Ben Cardin (D-Md.), for their bipartisan efforts in producing S. 2302, which passed out of committee on a 21-0 vote. In light of the coming election year, we are very pleased to see movement on this matter at this time.
“The Senate Environment & Public Works Committee’s concrete action to address surface infrastructure, in advance of the expiring authorization in 2020, demonstrates continued focus on the needs of the country and our economic well-being. The stability provided through a 5-year bill, along with the robust funding level of $287 billion for roads and bridges, is a much-needed boost to the motorcoach, tour and travel industry.
“Investment in surface infrastructure is key to our industry, and we appreciate the Senators’ understanding of the importance of intercity bus travel to the national network, a vital private component to meeting public transportation needs - and a vital component in addressing climate change. Motorcoach transportation is the greenest form of transportation available. Not only do buses take potentially 50 cars off the road, on average motorcoaches use the least amount of energy and produce the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per passenger mile of nearly all modes of transportation.
“We look forward to working closely with this committee and other committees on a legislative package that includes long-term, sustainable funding for our nation's highways and recognizes the important role private motorcoaches play in moving America.”
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