BEWARE: ABA Marketplace Scams

We want to bring to your immediate attention a concerning issue that has arisen in the last few days. There has been an increasing number of scam calls targeting our members and Marketplace registrants regarding hotel reservations.

 

Important Details:

Scam Activity: The most prolific scam call is coming from 800-878-0113 from an individual named "Joseph." This caller is falsely claiming to offer an early bird rate for hotel stays in Philadelphia.

Our Process: ABA will be opening up hotel reservations on August 9, and we are not using any third-party affiliate to call you about those reservations, secure "special" low rates, or other offers. These calls are scams.

 

Action Steps

Do Not Engage: If you receive such a call from 800-878-0113 or other unfamiliar number, we suggest blocking the number to remove further contact from the scammer.

Official Reservations: The only way to secure your hotel reservations is through ABA and the Marketplace website. Information on how to make reservations will be posted on August 9, and we will send out a notice to all current registered attendees with information on how to secure your hotel booking.

 

ABA is committed to ensuring your safety and the security of your information. Please remain vigilant and do not engage with these fraudulent calls. If you have any questions or need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us directly at (800) 283-2877.

ABA Press Releases

American Bus Association Stands Firm Against CARB’s Zero-Emissions Rule

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The American Bus Association (ABA), a leading voice in North America’s motorcoach, group travel, and tourism industries, continues to take action to oppose the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) latest zero-emissions vehicle mandate, the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule. The new rule, adopted in 2023 and set to begin with model year 2024, would require large fleet operators to transition to zero-emissions vehicles and phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

The ABA, in comments submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following its testimony given at a hearing in August, strongly believes CARB has not met the legal requirements to obtain a waiver to enforce this rule. The mandate imposes undue burdens on the motorcoach and travel industries without addressing critical operational, infrastructure and economic concerns. If EPA grants the CARB a waiver, other states are lined up to adopt and enforce the same requirements, which would expand the negative impact across the motorcoach and group travel industries.

“The motorcoach industry has long been at the forefront of innovation and environmental sustainability, leading efforts to adopt cleaner technologies like clean diesel engines and creating efficiencies through group and carpool travel,” said ABA President and CEO Fred Ferguson. “We are proud of our role in reducing emissions and minimizing the environmental impact of transportation. However, CARB’s ACF rule is being implemented too quickly, without adequate consideration of the unique operational and economic realities of our industry.”

Concerns About CARB’s ACF Rule

The ABA has outlined several key concerns regarding the proposed regulation:

  • Operational Costs: The cost of transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles or ZEVs would impose significant financial strain on motorcoach operators, many of whom are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The expense of acquiring new vehicles, coupled with the retirement of ICE vehicles, threatens to push many small operators out of business.
  • Infrastructure Challenges: The necessary charging infrastructure for ZEVs is not yet adequately developed in many regions, particularly in rural areas. Without a reliable network of charging stations, the feasibility of long-distance group travel is severely compromised.
  • Impact on Travel and Tourism: The motorcoach industry is a key pillar of the North American travel and tourism ecosystem, providing affordable and accessible transportation for millions of travelers. The forced shift to ZEVs could result in higher travel costs and reduced availability, negatively affecting tourism-based economies.

ABA’s Position

The American Bus Association urges CARB and the EPA to revisit the rule’s timeline and seek collaborative solutions that balance environmental goals with economic and operational feasibility. ABA remains committed to continuing the industry’s long-standing commitment of innovation and environmental sustainability within the motorcoach industry, but believes CARB’s ACF rule is being implemented too rapidly and without sufficient consideration of industry-specific realities. For example, the motorcoach industry has been a leader in advancing clean fleet innovations, including clean diesel engine technology, removing driver trips through group travel and other efficiencies in operations.

Read ABA’s Comments

  • The ABA submitted formal comments to EPA, which can be found here: ABA Written Comments
  • The ABA also organized a group of over a dozen bus operators to provide testimony during a recent EPA hearing. A copy of ABA’s talking points from the hearing can be found here: ABA Hearing Talking Points

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