ABA Members Urge Congress to Restore Funding for Intercity Over-the-Road Bus Security Grant Program
The Association warns continued reductions undermine preparedness and safety of motorcoaches
The American Bus Association and nearly 100 privately owned motorcoach and group travel companies have formally urged Congress to restore funding for the Intercity Over-the-Road Bus Security Grant Program to $2 million for Fiscal Year 2026. The request was delivered in a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittees.
The industry warns that continued reductions to this critical security program risk undermining the preparedness and safety of the nation’s private motorcoach sector, which moves hundreds of millions of passengers each year and plays a vital role in national emergency response.
Motorcoach Industry: A Key Part of the Nation’s Transportation and Security Framework
In the letter, motorcoach operators highlight the essential role of the industry in supporting the U.S. economy and national mobility:
- $90 billion in annual economic impact
- 500,000 jobs supported
- $16 billion in tax revenue generated
- 40+ billion miles traveled annually
- 400 million passengers carried each year
From school groups and senior travel to major sporting events, conferences, and tourism, motorcoaches provide safe, efficient, and affordable transportation in every region of the country. They also serve as a strategic national transportation reserve, supporting military movements, disaster evacuations, and the transport of critical supplies during emergencies.
A Program Rooted in 9/11 Commission Recommendations
The Intercity Over-the-Road Bus Security Grant Program was established following the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to address the unique security vulnerabilities of over-the-road buses. These vehicles routinely operate in high-density regions, transport high-profile passengers, and support national security missions.
Grant funding has enabled operators to invest in:
- Onboard video surveillance and GPS tracking
- Driver security and threat recognition training
- Enhanced perimeter fencing and lighting
- Access control upgrades at maintenance and storage facilities
These improvements strengthen coordination with law enforcement, protect passengers and employees, and bolster preparedness across the motorcoach industry.
Industry Urges Congress to Restore Funding to $2 Million
The letter expresses deep concern about the program’s declining funding levels in recent years, emphasizing that additional support is needed to meet evolving threats and maintain strong national preparedness.
Operators also urged Congress to:
- Apply any non-federal match requirements consistently across transportation security grant programs
- Avoid arbitrary limits on the number of applications or projects a single recipient may submit
Such restrictions, they warned, would hinder operators—particularly small businesses—from fully participating in the program.
A Commitment to Passenger Safety and National Preparedness
ABA and its member companies concluded the letter by thanking appropriators for their longstanding support and underscoring the importance of continued investment in motorcoach security to safeguard passengers, drivers, and communities nationwide.
