The American Bus Association Joins U.S. Department of Transportation to Kick Off the Great American Road Trip
Showcasing ABA's new look and focus at DOT's America 250 kickoff event
The American Bus Association (ABA), North America’s leading trade association representing the motorcoach, group travel, and tourism industries, proudly joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, federal officials, and industry leaders at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Great American Road Trip Expo today to celebrate the start of the summer travel season.
Held at DOT headquarters, the Great American Road Trip Expo showcased vehicles built for summer adventures—from classic SUVs to family-friendly minivans, road trip-ready RVs, and motorcoaches. Travel experts, industry representatives, and the public gathered to share ideas, tips, and resources for planning the perfect American road trip.
The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the #BusesMoveAmerica bus—a custom-wrapped motorcoach donated by ABA Board Member and Academy Bus President and CEO Francis Tedesco. Wrapped in the new ABA identity system and featuring inspiring imagery of the great American outdoors, the bus also prominently displayed the new ABA logo. The updated logo, symbolizing the power of motorcoach travel to connect people and places, will be officially unveiled later this summer and rolled out across all ABA platforms in early 2026.
“This event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vital role the motorcoach industry plays in making the Great American Road Trip possible,” said Mike Canine, CEO of Lorenz Bus Service and ABA Policy Committee Chair and ABA Vice Chair. “Motorcoaches are a uniquely American way to travel—connecting families, communities, and destinations in a way no other mode of transportation can.”
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveils the Great American Road Trip branding.
A DOT Senior Official talks with Fred Ferguson and Mike Canine.
A service member exits the Academy Bus motorcoach.
ABA senior staff talks with Secretary Duffy’s Chief of Staff.
US Travel CEO Geoff Freeman and lobbyist Tori Barnes (left) talk tourism priorities with ABA’s Fred Ferguson and Callie Hoyt (right).
The ABA-wrapped Academy motorcoach was front and center at the recent DOT Great American Road Trip Expo on May 29, 2025.
ABA’s Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations, Callie Hoyt, emphasized the industry’s growing momentum:
“Motorcoaches are the original shared mobility solution, and today’s event underscored how essential they are to the American travel story. The new direction and energy at ABA, coupled with a renewed sense of purpose across the industry, is what led Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation to ensure motorcoaches were a key part of this celebration. The numbers tell the story: in 2024, both total passenger miles and total miles driven by motorcoaches increased by 6%. That growth reflects what we’re seeing every day—not just on the roads, but here in Washington, too. The motorcoach industry is moving forward, and we’re proud to help lead the way.”
During the event, ABA leaders engaged with DOT officials, Congressional staff, and members of the public to share the ABA Policy Agenda and highlight key industry priorities, including:
- Expanding access to terminals for motorcoaches;
- Supporting continued funding for the Section 5311(f) rural intercity bus program; and
- Addressing unnecessary regulations that limit the efficiency and sustainability of motorcoach operations, such as restrictive idling rules recently implemented in New York City.
“The #BusesMoveAmerica bus is more than just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of our industry’s commitment to connecting people with places, supporting economic growth, and championing sustainable travel,” added Canine.
For more information about the American Bus Association and the motorcoach industry, visit www.buses.org.
About the American Bus Association
The American Bus Association is a 501(c)6 trade association representing the North American motorcoach, charter bus, group travel, and tourism industries. We’re on a mission to connect people with places through an international network of bus and motorcoach operators, manufacturers, tour companies, tourism bureaus, destination venues, and those who love to travel. Together, we support the growth of our businesses through cross-sector events, industry research, philanthropy, and policy advocacy, which enables professional development, business connections, mobility, and travel.
ABA members have exclusive access to ABA’s suite of programs and services, including ABA professional staff, ABA Government Relations, the ABA Foundation, ABA Marketplace, Women in Buses, the Bus Industry Safety Council, and many other professional services. For more, please visit www.buses.org.
