House committee approves key legislation to stop fed insurance hike
The Appropriations Committee vote tells FMCSA to stop spending money to write a rule or do research; that would raise the federal insurance minimums above the current $5 million figure.
The House Committee on Appropriations on May 13, 2015, approved significant legislation that would prevent for one year the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from spending any money to develop, issue, or implement any regulation that increases the level of minimum financial responsibility for motorcoach companies.
The Appropriations Committee vote tells FMCSA to stop spending money to write a rule or do research; that would raise the federal insurance minimums above the current $5 million figure.
“The passage of this bill is a big win for all motorcoach companies that, in many cases are owned and operated by second and third generation families. ABA and other members of this coalition told Congress there is no credible evidence to support claims by some that higher insurance minimums would make the industry any safer. ABA believes that any proposed increase in the insurance requirements must be done based on reliable scientific research and not on the whims of regulators,” said ABA President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso. “In addition, raising the insurance minimums would put still another financial burden on these companies, because of the higher cost to buy additional insurance. We salute the entire House Committee on Appropriations for this common sense vote, and we will be watching this closely as it moves through the full House, onto the Senate and the White House.”
While this victory is significant, the legislation must also be approved by the full House of Representatives and the Senate. ABA is encouraging its motorcoach members to reach out to their Members of Congress and U.S. Senators and let them know they support the Transportation/Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Bill, specifically Section 134.
Last year when FMCSA announced it would begin researching a possible increase in the insurance minimums, ABA’s Government Affairs and Policy team started working with organizations to form a coalition to take our industry’s case to Congress. ABA will continue that effort to protect the interests of the entire motorcoach industry, according to a statement.
As the American Bus Association marks its 100th year, a new ABA Foundation report highlights the Marketplace’s role as a key revenue engine for the bus and group travel industry.
As motorcoaches navigate increasingly congested urban corridors filled with pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, and distracted drivers, safety leaders across the industry are confronting a growing challenge: visibility.
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.
A portion of this fleet investment was recently recognized during UMA EXPO 2026, where Croswell Bus Lines was presented with a commemorative $1.8 million check highlighting the company’s continued investment in its fleet and partnership with ABC.
Premiums remain elevated. Underwriting scrutiny is intense. And claims costs continue to rise at historic levels. Behind those numbers lies a complex mix of legal, medical, and cultural forces reshaping the commercial landscape.
The company said it has remained the most widely purchased model in the new coach market across the US and Canada, according to historical data from the Motorcoach Builders Survey conducted by the American Bus Association
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The company's flagship H3-45 is also the best-selling 45-foot motorcoach in North America, according to vehicle registration data from S&P Global Mobility (Polk).
