Staffs of the American Bus Association (ABA) and the United Motorcoach Association met Monday in Washington, D.C., to review the process of policymaking and other issues including TEA 21 reauthorization. Other issues discussed during the meeting, which comes at a time when potential unification of the two associations is being considered, included transit competition, security programs and motorcoach safety. The group also discussed concerns over the increase of non-compliant curbside operators that skirt safety rules and unfairly compete with compliant operators. Also this week, a coalition of private transportation associations, which included the ABA, met to promote the inclusion of all interested transportation parties in the federal planning process, and improved administration and enforcement of the current charter rules while protecting against unfair competition. Other promotional efforts discussed: Clear guidance on effectively providing private operator participation in the federal transit program; the inclusion of private-sector operators and grant recipients; and the enhancement of intermodal terminal projects to increase efficiency, transportation options and reduce costs.