Passenger buses organizations provide a variety of resources for bus companies. Aside from keeping bus companies updated on any changes made to driver licensing, training, safety and maintenance requirements, organizations also educate owners of trends in the industry through conferences and exhibitions.

Another service provided by associations is educating the passenger bus industry of new and upcoming tourist “hot spots” so that they can add to their tour itinerary. In addition to providing information as to what makes a location a prime tourist destination, they also inform the bus company of hotels, restaurants and rest areas that have services in place to accommodate passenger buses.

Other ways to using passenger bus organizations to your advantage include:

1. Keeping abreast of legislative initiatives that may impact the busing industry

2. Attending trade shows, expositions and conventions

3. Allowing potential clients to review the safety records of your bus company

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join a regional busing organization to stay abreast of local issues affecting the busing industry

A regional busing association membership can keep you informed of legislative bills that, if passed, will have an impact on passenger bus companies.

I recommend: The California Bus Association and the Pennsylvania Bus Association are two regional passenger bus associations that are actively involved in protecting the interests of the passenger bus companies by protesting legislative bills that will have a negative impact on the industry.

Attend trade shows to remain current with issues affecting the passenger bus organizations

Attending trade shows, expositions and conventions is an effective way to remain current with issues affecting the busing industry. Topics covered at passenger bus organization events can include issues affecting fuel purchases, fuel management, the future of alternative fuels, financial management and driver retention.

I recommend: Attend the annual expositions such as the United Motorcoach Exposition or the BusCon Exposition cosponsored by the American Bus Association.

Allow potential clients to examine the safety record of your passenger bus organization

Before signing a contract with any passenger bus company, clients want to be aware of that company's safety record to help ensure the safety of their passengers.

I recommend: The American Bus Association provides an overview of the Federal Rules and Regulations such as driver qualifications, insurance and maintenance requirements bus associations are required to meet. Utilize the Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System (SAFER) system to review the safety record, safety rating (if available), crash information and roadside out-of-service inspection summary of bus associations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  An additional advantage of a passenger bus membership is the inclusion in their online membership directory, which may be accessible to the public. This inclusion can be a form of advertising for your company when there are individuals using passenger bus organizations as a search engine to find a company in their geographic area. Membership in a regional or national bus association gives potential clients some sort of assurance that they will be dealing with a reputable company.

Passenger bus organizations know that the problems plaguing the airline industry could mean an increase in traffic for bus operators. Travelers are becoming disenchanted with air travel due to the rising fares, cancellations and flight delays, and that leaves the door open for the motorcoach industry.

Every busing association in the country is sounding the call to the traveling public, "sit back and enjoy the ride with us." Motorcoach operators that align themselves with a regional or national bus organization will benefit from the marketing campaigns and strategic alliances cultivated by the passenger bus associations. Those industry connections, supplier relationships and marketing opportunities mean increased revenue for:

1. Passenger bus companies

2. Tour operators with passenger buses

3. Travel industry professionals

4. Suppliers of passenger bus products and services

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Educate yourself as a member of a school bus organization

School bus associations in various states allow operators who contract with school districts to provide pupil transportation to join as regular members. Each school busing organization typically features an annual convention or networking opportunity to meet with industry vendors and other motorcoach operators. Membership also includes training and development workshops and legislative representation to deal with regulatory agencies on issues that affect your business.

I recommend: The National School Transportation Association has been representing passenger bus companies involved in pupil transport for over 40 years. Members have access to their workers' compensation insurance program and fuel service card as well as management advice to help you make smarter business decisions. The National Association for Pupil Transportation is the largest membership organization for the school transportation industry. Members benefit from their public relations efforts as well as their training opportunities and annual trade show networking convention.

Expand your business opportunities with a regional busing association

A regional busing organization will provide your company with a wider sphere of influence. Regional passenger bus organizations usually represent motorcoach operators in a multi-state area. This allows passenger bus companies to network and create strategic alliances to grow their business and their revenue.

I recommend: One American busing association with a regional reach is the Northwest Motorcoach Association. They serve the needs of passenger bus operators in the Pacific Northwest. Their online member directory allows travelers to find an operator that is bound by their code of ethics. The New England Bus Association also gives consumers access to their list of operator members. Their directory is a comprehensive listing of operator contact information and websites.

Extend your reach across the country with a national bus organization

National passenger bus organizations include a larger and more diverse member base to increase your networking opportunities. By virtue of their size, they also have stronger alliances with manufacturers and suppliers that could reduce your operating expenses. Your business will have access to a large number of tour operators who do not own their own equipment and travel industry professionals and their marketing organizations.

I recommend: The American Bus Association works to connect motorcoach operators with the tour operators and travel organizations that want to be their business partners and help grow your business. Membership grants your company a listing in the industry's top directory, the ABA Motorcoach Marketer. The United Motorcoach Association membership also includes a listing in their annual print directory and buyer's guide as well as their online directory. They offer an expansive list of member discounts and money-saving resources to help your bottom line.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is an excellent resource for motorcoach operators. Their website details all the regulations governing your business and provides a listing of all the forms you need to comply with agency regulations.

Passenger bus operators must have the training necessary to do a good job and professional organizations can help them get this training. Passenger bus companies can offer a comfortable, easy option not only for city travelers but also for groups traveling together that wish to charter a bus.

If you're just getting into the business of passenger bus companies, you may find that your greatest allies may be bus associations that can help represent fledgling companies. These strong passenger bus associations can be a vital link to government requirements, as well as passenger bus education and training.

To find out about education and training for passenger buses offered through busing organizations, consider the following.

1. Rely on bus associations to help you get your employees up to speed and in compliance.

2. Look into valuable links that bus associations and government agencies can provide for passenger bus education and training.

3. Make sure your passenger bus business is a well-oiled machine by taking classes and trainings offered by bus organizations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Rely on bus associations to ensure proper training

If you're looking for training and education tools to improve your workforce education, contacting a busing organization may be a good first step. A bus organization can be a good advocate for your business and can answer your questions as you set up operations.

I recommend: The American Bus Association offers motorcoach professional driver training courses as an Internet training module for new drivers or for supplementing training for your existing drivers. The Pupil Transportation Safety Institute offers training for school bus organizations and drivers, as well as mechanics.

Get valuable training close to home through state busing organizations

State associations for buses may offer the most personalized training for your motor carrier business. Look for local conferences and trainings that you or your staff can attend.

I recommend: The California Bus Association represents California bus companies and offers trainings, meetings, conventions and trade shows. The Pennsylvania Bus Association offers training events, such as the "Marketing to the Motorcoach Industry" seminar.

Ensure your business health through additional training with bus organizations

Enrolling in classes through busing organizations to improve your business operations can help you when it comes time to insure your vehicles or apply for a loan to purchase new vehicles. You can count on a busing association to help steer you in the right direction as far as passenger bus organizations education and training.

I recommend: The Motor Coach Expo offers a great chance to learn and network. The Bus and Motorcoach Academy presents online courses to improve motorcoach business operations through the Clarence Cornell School of Business as well as the Motorcoach Operator/Driver Program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Periodically check out the online resources offered by passenger bus organizations to stay on top of safety concerns and new training opportunities.