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

ChauffeurDriven: Motorcoaches Play Major Role in Inauguration Festivities

  • January 22, 2021
  • 2-min read

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Motorcoaches Play Major Role in Inauguration Festivities
Chauffeur Driven
January 22, 2021

The inauguration of the President Joe Biden this week was unlike most celebrations we’ve seen in the past—with COVID still a factor and threats of violence locking down our nation’s capital—but one familiar sight was the number of ground transportation vehicles being used during the festivities. According to the American Bus Association (ABA), motorcoaches played a major role as always this week in D.C.—as many as 500 motorcoaches from all around the country brought 25,000 National Guard members into the city.

“Once again these small family businesses have heard the call and answered it,” said ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso. “Just like during hurricane season in the South this past summer and fall, these businesses that are struggling to survive the effects of the pandemic are rallying their drivers and buses to help protect our nation’s capital.”

As we all know, the motorcoach industry has been one of the hardest hit in the transportation sector with little assistance from the government. Associations such as ABA and the United Motorcoach Association lobbied Congress for dire aid for 10 months as the more than 80,000 personnel were furloughed and nearly half of the industry's 3,000 small, family-owned businesses shuttered. In December 2020, the industry received a desperately needed shot in the arm when Congress passed the latest relief package that included $2 billion for the industry to share with the school bus and passenger vessel industries. The industry had originally asked for $10 billion through the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act, which had received 60 Senators and 271 Representatives signing on to co-sponsor in the 116th Congress.

“The private motorcoach industry has lost more than $11 billion because of the pandemic and is only running at 10-15 percent capacity compared to 2019 levels,” Pantuso said. “We asked for $10 billion during the 116th Congress, but as the pandemic keeps going so does our growing need for funding to keep our industry afloat. We look forward to working with the Biden Administration and the 117th Congress to get the bridge we need to survive.”

Visit buses.org for more information about the ABA.

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