Motorcoach Companies Helping Communities Devastated by Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene has left widespread destruction, impacting thousands of families and communities along the Atlantic Coast. Now, more than ever, our efforts can make a difference. Several motorcoach companies are stepping up to provide essential support, supplies, and aid to help these communities recover. Join us in this relief effort by donating or volunteering.

How You Can Help

You can get involved in the following ways:

  • Monetary Donations: Financial contributions go directly toward providing essentials like food, water, and shelter for those affected. You can donate directly to local relief organizations.
  • Supply Donations: Essential items like bottled water, canned goods, hygiene products, blankets, and first aid supplies are urgently needed. Find local drop-off points where you can bring these much-needed supplies.
  • Volunteer: Consider volunteering your time to help distribute supplies or assist with rebuilding efforts. Local organizations and motorcoach companies are organizing efforts to transport volunteers and supplies to the affected areas.

 

ABA in the News

Bloomberg Gov’t: Bus COVID Relief Set for Senate Vote After ‘Catastrophic Losses’

  • May 19, 2022
  • 2-min read

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Bus COVID Relief Set for Senate Vote After ‘Catastrophic Losses’
Bloomberg Government
Lillianna Byington
May 18, 2022

Senators, after months of lobbying, are poised to consider aid to bus companies that lost money during the pandemic.

Motorcoaches, school buses, and ferries would be eligible for an additional $2 billion in pandemic relief under legislation the Senate is planning to take up this week, according to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). The measure (S. 4008) would help restaurants and small businesses that suffered Covid-19-related losses.

The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), is slated for a procedural vote Thursday, a step that will tee up a later vote on final passage. A similar version (H.R. 3807), which the House passed last month, omitted money for motorcoaches.

Cardin said he thinks senators will be able to resolve any differences with the House, but is still concerned about getting the needed 60 votes to advance it in the Senate. “That is unclear,” he said.

Motorcoach, school bus, and certain maritime companies previously received $2 billion from the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act, enacted as part of a fiscal 2021 funding law. It took months for companies to be able to apply for the funds, and many say more is still needed to make up for continued losses.

The bus industry lost 82.6% of its business in 2020 because of the pandemic and another 62% in 2021, according to the American Bus Association.

“The motorcoach industry suffered catastrophic losses because of the COVID pandemic, and we are having trouble replacing employees we had to furlough,” Peter Pantuso, president and CEO of the group, said in an email Wednesday. “For us, the pandemic is not over — we still need help.”

Cardin said last month that motorcoach aid has broad support. “Everybody felt they should be included,” he told Bloomberg Government in April.

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