The American Bus Association (ABA) is requesting help from state departments of transportation to insure the motorcoach industry regains its footing and continues to serve the millions of travelers who use the system. In a letter to the nation's state transportation officials, the ABA cited a soft economy, the effects of war, transit competition issues and increased taxes, fees and fines hampering the rebuilding efforts by the motorcoach industry. The ABA is asking state transportation officials to work with their respective administrations to encourage, rather than deter, motorcoach travel. Specifically, the ABA is asking officials to: provide adequate access for bus passengers to sites and attractions in states; adopt policies that provide adequate parking; allow adequate idling time for safe bus operations; and find ways to promote intermodal passenger connections. ABA President and CEO Peter Pantuso said the group is asking state officials to prevent the imposition of new taxes, fines and permits that shift the burden of state and local economic difficulties to private operators, like ABA members. "Our industry, which has suffered so much loss already, is absolutely vital to national mobility, and can deliver powerful economic benefit to destinations," Pantuso said.