ABA's inaugural Capitol Hill Fly-In a 'Big Success'
During the in-person meetings with the officials from both the House of Representatives and Senate, participants personally thanked elected officials for supporting the FAST Act, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that was passed in December 2015.
Don Devivo, ABA Vice Chairman; Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton; John Meier, ABA Chairman
2 min to read
Don Devivo, ABA Vice Chairman; Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton; John Meier, ABA Chairman
Dozens of leaders from the motorcoach, travel and tourism industry traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to participate in the American Bus Association’s (ABA) first annual Capitol Hill Fly-In, where they met with elected officials and their staff to discuss important issues impacting their business.
The day began at the Capitol Visitor Center where Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, addressed participants and engaged with them on important issues facing the motorcoach, travel and tourism industries. Key Congressional staff from the Appropriations, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security Committees also addressed the members.
The majestic Capitol Visitors Center served as the backdrop and launching point for ABA’s successful fly-in event during National Travel & Tourism Week.
During the in-person meetings with the officials from both the House of Representatives and Senate, Fly-In participants personally thanked elected officials for supporting the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that was passed in December 2015. In addition, participants discussed other critical issues, such as the FMCSA lease and interchange final rule and bus security grant funding. The event concluded at the ABA Washington, D.C. office with a celebratory reception.
"Our inaugural Fly-In proved to be a great success," said ABA President/CEO Peter J. Pantuso. "Our members not only had a chance to raise and discuss topical concerns impacting our industry but also had the opportunity to build valuable relationships with their elected representatives and staff."
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.
From advanced driver-assist systems to upgraded passenger amenities, leading manufacturers are refining proven coach platforms to meet evolving operator and rider expectations.
The Tidewater Current is the first east-to-west Virginia Breeze route, expanding access to key destinations including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Harrisonburg.
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.
