ABA Recognizes Security Grant Award Winners

The American Bus Association (ABA) offered its congratulations to 14 recipients of the fiscal year 2024 Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) funds to implement strategies, exercises, training, and technologies designed to mitigate security threats to passengers and facilities of motorcoach operators.

Overall, $1.2 million is being awarded. This year’s recipients are all ABA member organizations. They are: Academy Express, LLC; Anderson Coach and Travel; Carreras Tours, LLC; Dattco, Inc.; Greyhound Lines, Inc.; Industrial Bus Lines, Inc.; Jalbert Leasing, Inc.; MTRWestern; Peoria Charter, Inc.; Peter Pan Bus Lines, Inc.; Phoenix Bus, Inc.; Royal Coach Tours; Stout’s Charter Service, Inc.; and, Windstar Lines, Inc.

“ABA members have used federal dollars to bolster motorcoach safety and security in a variety of ways, including building fencing perimeters, adding security cameras, buying metal detection screening equipment, installing driver shields, enabling global positioning satellite tracking (GPS), developing security plans, conducting vulnerability assessments, and taking advantage of training exercises to coordinate response efforts with law enforcement and other first responders,” according to a press release.

The release added: “Since Sept. 11, 2001, ABA has actively lobbied Congress for industry funding. ABA members have taken steps to continue to demonstrate that the motorcoach industry is best prepared, working diligently to minimize threats to their passengers and operations, often without the benefit of federal funding. The FY 2024 grants required a 50 percent private cost match or in-kind contribution to secure funding.

“Since 2003, ABA members have received nearly 95 percent of the $121 million in security grant funding awarded to the motorcoach industry by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ABA members have further demonstrated their commitment to security by expending tens of millions of dollars as in-kind contributions or matching funds to help secure the nation’s private motorcoach industry.”

“ABA continues to champion the security of our nation’s motorcoach industry, and we are proud of the innovative efforts our members have implemented with the support of the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program,” ABA President & CEO Fred Ferguson said. “This funding is vital to safeguarding passengers, and we urge Congress to recognize the ongoing need for these critical resources to ensure the industry remains resilient in the face of evolving threats.”

FEMA will host a post-award webinar with ABA to assist successful grantees and other interested parties in compliantly administering their grant awards. Check the ABA Events page and social media after Labor Day for further details. Visit buses.org.