American Bus Association (ABA) President/CEO, Peter Pantuso was appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure to represent the motorcoach industry, the association announced.

In December 2015, President Obama signed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) which provides long-term surface transportation funding. One of the highlights of the FAST Act is the creation of the National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure to provide information, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to the role of intermodal transportation in facilitating mobility with respect to travel and tourism activities.

The role of the Advisory Committee is to develop measures for the condition, safety and performance of transportation related to travel and tourism; develop planning tools to assist Federal, State and local officials in making transportation investment decision related to transportation projects that improve travel and tourism; and address other issues of transportation policy and programs impacting the movement of travelers for tourism and recreational purposes, including making legislative recommendations.

“I am honored to serve on the Advisory Committee to ensure that the motorcoach industry has a voice at the table in discussions that will affect our industry,” Pantuso said. “On behalf of the 3,200 motorcoach companies in the United States and 605 million passengers motorcoaches move each year, we want to guarantee the best infrastructure exists to support a strong travel and tourism industry.”

ABA also congratulated former ABA chairman and current Transportation Commissioner for the State of Minnesota Charlie Zelle and ABA members: Gladys Gillis, CEO of Transportation Demand Management, Inc.; Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon; Brad Dean, president & CEO of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce; Bryan Grimaldi, COO & General Counsel, NYC & Co.; and Ann Taber Klenke, Tourism Director for Lake Charles/Southwest.