Transportation and travel groups commend Congressmen for advancing a reasonable, actionable national framework regarding motorcoach idling.
The American Bus Association has brought together a broad coalition of transportation, travel, tourism, hospitality, and business organizations in support of the bipartisan Buses Utilizing Safety and Environmental Standards (BUSES) Act (H.R. 9317), led by Representatives Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). In a letter to the bill’s co-leads, the coalition commends their leadership in advancing a reasonable national framework for operational motorcoach idling that would provide greater certainty for interstate passenger carriers while supporting passenger and driver safety, accessibility, mobility, economic activity, and environmental stewardship.
The coalition letter highlights the important role motorcoaches play in the nation’s transportation system and economy, including connecting communities, supporting tourism and student travel, transporting military personnel, providing access to jobs and airports, serving conventions and major events, and assisting in emergency response and evacuations. It also explains why limited operational idling is sometimes necessary: motorcoaches rely on engine-powered systems to conduct safety inspections, maintain brake pressure, operate accessibility equipment, support safe passenger boarding, and provide safe cabin conditions for passengers and drivers.
The BUSES Act would establish a national minimum standard that prevents the enforcement of local bus idling restrictions for periods under 15 minutes, prohibit bounty-style enforcement programs, and limit Clean Air Act citizen suit actions related to covered operational idling.
The coalition includes
- American Hotel & Lodging Association
- Bus Association of New York
- BUS4NYC Coalition Inc.
- Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association
- National Limousine Association
- National Tour Association
- Student & Youth Travel Association
- The Business Council of New York State
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. Travel Association
- United Motorcoach Association
- United States Tour Operators Association
Together, the organizations make clear that this issue extends well beyond the motorcoach industry and affects communities, tourism destinations, educational institutions, employers, hospitality businesses, event organizers, workers, and travelers across the country. The coalition thanks Representatives Langworthy and Gottheimer for their leadership and pledged to work with them to advance the BUSES Act and strengthen America’s transportation network for the people and businesses that depend on it.