The American Bus Association announced the death of long-time VP, regulatory affairs, and Executive Director of the Bus Industry Safety Council Charles "Norm" Littler, following a long illness. Littler was 61.

Littler worked in the transportation field for 41 years and was considered by his colleagues to be one of North America's leading motorcoach safety experts.

During his many years at ABA, Littler was well known for his accessibility, offering guidance and advice on safety and regulatory issues to ABA members. He always said that working with members on these issues was one of the most enjoyable aspects of his job, according to an ABA release.

Littler was one of the founders of the Bus Industry Safety Council, serving as its executive director since 2006. Littler's expertise was very important on several key pieces of motorcoach safety legislation and regulation, concerning driver fatigue, alcohol and drug testing, and many other issues. He worked closely with ABA staff, the regulatory agencies and congressional officials.

He was also the former Chairman of the Highway and Motor Carrier Sector Coordinating Council (HMC-SCC). The council acts in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies on issues relating to security and infrastructure protection, preparedness and response for commercial highway transportation. Under Littler's leadership, the committee established a private-sector partnership pilot program that provided intelligence analysis and assistance to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

"Norm Littler was a treasured member of ABA's staff," said ABA President/CEO Peter Pantuso. "He was a close friend to his office colleagues and to ABA members. Because of Norm's expertise and passion, when a passenger gets on a motorcoach today, they are safer. We owe Norm a large debt of gratitude for his many years of professionalism and dedication to making the industry safer."

A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Littler worked for nearly 17 years at Motor Coach Industries (MCI), first in the research and development division and then as administrator for regulatory and product-related legal affairs and risk management. He joined ABA in 1995, later worked at the United Motorcoach Association as its sr. Vice President, government affairs, and rejoined ABA in his current position in 2006.

Outside of ABA, Littler was very involved in efforts to help abused women and children. Before his death, he set up a non-profit foundation to protect at-risk families.

No services are planned at this time, and information about memorials and donations will be provided at a later date.