Strengthen Your Business, Protect Your Passengers
Apply for 2025 Intercity Bus Security Grants by August 15
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through FEMA, has officially opened the FY 2025 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) — awarding up to $1.8 million to enhance motorcoach safety and resilience. Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2025, with awards expected by September 30.
This funding represents a pivotal opportunity for motorcoach operators to upgrade security infrastructure, improve fleet resilience, and elevate passenger confidence—all while building smarter, safer businesses. Since 2003, DHS has allocated over $120 million to the motorcoach industry, and ABA members have secured nearly 95% of that funding through the IBSGP.
Why businesses can’t afford to wait
- Key upgrades funded: Security cameras, fencing, GPS tracking, driver shields, live monitoring systems, and vulnerability assessments are among the critical enhancements funded in prior years. Projects also include emergency training exercises that coordinate with first responders.
- 50% match required: Operators must provide a 50% cost match or in‑kind contribution, but this requirement demonstrates the industry’s commitment and stretches grant dollars further.
- Local risk matters: Eligible applicants must provide fixed‑route or at least 50 charter trips annually into Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) regions, where enhanced security is most needed.
Why timing is critical—and promising
With escalating threats and continued uncertainty surrounding transportation infrastructure, securing federal security funding is now essential. But the grant also delivers tangible business benefits: operators can market improved safety to clients, reduce liability risk, and potentially lower insurance premiums. Deploying technologies such as GPS tracking and surveillance systems also paves the way toward more efficient fleet operations.
Moreover, these upgrades deliver a long-term return on investment: safer and more modern operations attract new clients, support route reliability, and instill confidence in group travel and charter segments.
What operators should do now
Visit FEMA’s site to review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Eligible applicants must have completed a vulnerability assessment in the past three years, and may submit up to two investment justifications per application. Operators are encouraged to reach out for technical assistance via the FEMA GO Helpdesk early to ensure seamless application submission before the August 15 deadline.
Looking ahead
This year’s IBSGP is more than a security program—it’s a strategic business investment. With grants in hand, operators can protect passengers, enhance operations, and establish a foundation for growth. Apply on time, meet the requirements, and this funding can be the cornerstone for safer, more resilient, and future-ready motorcoach businesses across the nation.
Important details
ABA provides an Approved Security and Emergency Preparedness Plan Template as a free resource to help with your application process:
- Part 1 – Security Awareness Guide Master
- Part 2 – Vulnerability Assessment
- Part 3 – Security Plan Template
Please visit FEMA’s website for information regarding this funding opportunity and additional resource documents. Additional questions may be directed to DHS at [email protected] or (800) 368-6498, as well as [email protected] and (866) 927-5646.
Applications must be submitted via the FEMA Grant Outcomes portal.
For technical assistance with the FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO) system, please contact the FEMA GO Helpdesk at [email protected] or (877) 585-3242, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET. You can also view instructional videos on how to navigate the system.
All completed grant applications must be submitted online.
