ABA announces training partnership

The American Bus Association (ABA) has a new educational resource that allows it to offer its members driver safety training online, courtesy of an exclusive contract with Training Alternatives Group (TAG). The contract will provide discounted services to ABA motorcoach operators, as well as a series of Internet-based training modules on subjects ranging from maintenance to behind-the-wheel operations. The training courses were specifically developed by TAG to apply to characteristics of the motorcoach industry. Online courses available will cover a range of topics, including: • New driver safety training • Motorcoach backing basics • Driver medical qualifications • Motorcoach passing and lane changing • Pedestrian safety According to ABA President Peter Pantuso, the training courses are more efficient than what is called for by industry standards. “Motorcoach personnel have the ability to choose the courses they need and take them sitting right at their desks,” he said. The contract was particularly timely considering the industry’s well-documented struggles with turnover and escalating training costs, he added. Motorcoach safety consultant Carmen Daecher said that TAG’s program is currently the only online driving course that is recommended to the motorcoach industry.