Editor’s Note – July/August 2024

The American Bus Association recently announced the arrival of its next leader. Fred Ferguson is the new President and CEO of ABA, effective at the end of July. He takes over for longtime ABA President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso, who announced his plans to retire in 2023.

Pantuso recently expressed his confidence in Ferguson’s leadership: “I am thrilled to hand over the reins to Fred Ferguson. His vast experience and proven track record in public policy and strategic communications ensure that ABA is in skillful hands.”

According to ABA, Ferguson brings over 15 years of extensive experience in public policy, strategic communications, and leadership within the government, non-profit, and private sectors. He joins ABA following tenure at Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), where he was vice president of public affairs and communications. At Vista Outdoor, Ferguson led state and federal lobbying, industry relations, and corporate communications and chaired the Vista Outdoor Foundation.

“He has been recognized multiple times as a top lobbyist and CSR Professional and has successfully navigated complex communications strategies for significant M&A transactions totaling over $3 billion,” according to an ABA release. “His experience includes testifying before Congress and executive branch committees on seven occasions and leading a successful lobbying campaign resulting in a multi-year, $42 million business opportunity.

“In his new role, Ferguson will lead ABA into its next era, focusing on uniting diverse stakeholders to drive shared causes and improved outcomes. He is committed to advocating for the mobility industry, connecting the industry, and supporting the community through the ABA Foundation, workforce development, and industry councils.”

Additionally, Ferguson will serve as President of the National Bus Traffic Association as well as President of the ABA Foundation, with work including the expansion of scholarships, research, and continuing education for the motorcoach and tour industries.

We, at Busline Magazine, welcome Ferguson while sincerely thanking Pantuso for his many years of industry leadership and service.

Our cover story for the July/August 2024 issue focuses on Cincinnati Metro, the Southwest Ohio public transportation provider that continues to succeed with key programs and initiatives in the Queen City, Hamilton County (OH), and surrounding counties.

Recent achievements at Metro have included a continual rise in ridership. Metro provided 13.1 million rides for people in Hamilton and surrounding counties in 2023, a 32 percent increase from 2022. That ridership growth involved Metro’s fixed-routes, Access paratransit service, and on-demand MetroNow! service.

“Our core purpose is to properly connect people in this region to their destinations; and if you stray from your core purpose, you’re going to see a negative outcome in the long run. It’s important that Metro always provides a product that our residents deserve,” Metro CEO & General Manager Darryl Haley said.

This issue also includes the annual Busline Suppliers Directory, with pages full of valuable supplier information — from A to Z — involving the private motorcoach, transit bus, and related transportation industries.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Busline Magazine. Please send news items and story ideas to: harrellk@rdgmedia.net.

Harrell Kerkhoff

Editor, Busline Magazine