American Bus Association
Encyclopedia
The American Bus Association, or ABA, is a trade association
for motorcoach operators and tour companies
in the United States and Canada. Its membership consists of about 1,000 companies that operate bus
es or bus-based tours, about 2,800 organizations representing the travel and tourism industry, and several hundred suppliers of buses and related products and services. Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C.
The organization was founded in 1926 as the Motor Bus Division of the American Automobile Association
. It was reorganized in 1930 as the National Association of Motor Bus Operators, and in 1960 changed its name to National Association of Motor Bus Owners. It adopted its present name in 1977.
To the public at large, the ABA is best known for its Top 100 Events in North America, an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. Each year, 100 U.S. and Canadian events are selected for the program. One event from each country is singled out for top honors. The program was begun in 1982, and today, the Top 100 Events get worldwide attention via television, radio and print media. The prime source for information about these events is Top 100 Events in North America magazine, distributed to ABA members and thousands of travelers worldwide.
Motorcoach Operators - Companies that own motorcoaches and provide privately-contracted services such as charters, tours, sightseeing, scheduled service, airport express service, school bus service, and/or local receptive operations. (The membership does not include public transport bus service
s.)
Tour Operators - Companies that organize tours without owning equipment. They offer packaged travel by arranging transportation for hotels, attractions and other travel suppliers. Their tours are primarily to locations away from the company's hometown.
Travel Industry Members - Tourism-related companies and organizations that work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry. They include travel and tourism companies, convention and visitor bureaus, destination marketing organization
s, accommodations
, attractions
, food service organizations
, and tourism service professionals such as receptive operators who specialize in tour planning for a local area.
Associate Members - Manufacturers and suppliers of buses and bus-related products and services.
The Top 100 Events for the coming year are published in a full-color Top 100 Events in North America magazine which is distributed with the September/October issue of ABA's Destinations magazine. ABA distributes the magazine to all its members and to thousands of travelers worldwide. ABA's Web site also lists the winners and has links directly to the events.
Some events, after many years of appearing on the Top 100 Events list, are granted permanient status as Internationally Known Events. They appear each year in a special category along with the Top 100 Events. Here is the current list of 34 Internationally Known Events:
American Bus Marketplace. Holds this annual convention
, which is a major event for the group travel industry. It is held in a different city each year, with a typical attendance of about 3,000 people. The meeting presents an annual opportunity for members of the group travel and motorcoach industry to build business relationships, view new products and services, learn about the latest industry trends, and develop personal networks. The Marketplace features a highly organized series of opportunities for attendees to meet face-to-face in prescheduled seven-minute appointments. Other Marketplace events include professional education seminars, exhibits provided by suppliers, and familiarization tours of attractions in the host city.
Bus Industry Safety Council. Sponsors this organization, whose mission is to develop and promote motorcoach safety. The 200-member council meets regularly to discuss issues and innovations in areas of safety, regulatory compliance, mechanics, technology and security.
Publications. Publishes Destinations magazine, an important glossy magazine in the tour and travel industry, and The Insider, a biweekly newsletter for members and others. Compiles and distributes The ABA Motorcoach Marketer, an annual member directory and travel guide.
Continuing education. Sponsors the Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS) program, providing motorcoach and group travel professionals with industry-specific education and credentialing. The education is provided through correspondence courses at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis and attendance at specialized ABA educational seminars. Conducts webinars online, and educational talks and seminar
s at its annual Marketplace event.
Awards. Sponsors a Lifetime Achievement Award for individuals who have made major contributions to the motorcoach, tourism, and hospitality industry, and a Kaleidoscope Award for individuals or organizations that have directly impacted the advancement of diversity within the industry.
Code of Ethics. Sponsors a code of ethics for its members. The code was adopted to promote and maintain high standards of business and personal conduct. Its ten points cover general business integrity and several specific items of financial behavior.
Government Affairs. Represents the industry before elected officials and regulatory bodies. Monitors pertinent legislative and regulatory activity, and keeps members informed of developments in these areas. These activities have helped in securing Americans with Disabilities Act grants to assist coach operators in equipping coaches with wheelchair lifts, and Transportation Security Administration
funds in support of industry efforts to improve security measures for drivers and passengers.
that works to advance the interests of the industry and the traveling public.
The ABA maintains strategic partnerships with about twenty other industry organizations and a similar number of state and provincial bus associations.
Trade association
A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association or sector association, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry...
for motorcoach operators and tour companies
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
in the United States and Canada. Its membership consists of about 1,000 companies that operate bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
es or bus-based tours, about 2,800 organizations representing the travel and tourism industry, and several hundred suppliers of buses and related products and services. Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
The organization was founded in 1926 as the Motor Bus Division of the American Automobile Association
American Automobile Association
AAA , formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is a federation of 51 independently operated motor clubs throughout North America. AAA is a not-for-profit member service organization with more than 51 million members. AAA provides services to its members such as travel, automotive,...
. It was reorganized in 1930 as the National Association of Motor Bus Operators, and in 1960 changed its name to National Association of Motor Bus Owners. It adopted its present name in 1977.
To the public at large, the ABA is best known for its Top 100 Events in North America, an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. Each year, 100 U.S. and Canadian events are selected for the program. One event from each country is singled out for top honors. The program was begun in 1982, and today, the Top 100 Events get worldwide attention via television, radio and print media. The prime source for information about these events is Top 100 Events in North America magazine, distributed to ABA members and thousands of travelers worldwide.
Members
The organization has four types of members:Motorcoach Operators - Companies that own motorcoaches and provide privately-contracted services such as charters, tours, sightseeing, scheduled service, airport express service, school bus service, and/or local receptive operations. (The membership does not include public transport bus service
Public transport bus service
Bus services play a major role in the provision of public transport. These services can take many forms, varying in distance covered and types of vehicle used, and can operate with fixed or flexible routes and schedules...
s.)
Tour Operators - Companies that organize tours without owning equipment. They offer packaged travel by arranging transportation for hotels, attractions and other travel suppliers. Their tours are primarily to locations away from the company's hometown.
Travel Industry Members - Tourism-related companies and organizations that work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry. They include travel and tourism companies, convention and visitor bureaus, destination marketing organization
Destination marketing organization
A destination marketing organization or convention and visitor bureau promotes a town, city, region, or country in order to increase the number of visitors...
s, accommodations
Lodging
Lodging is a type of residential accommodation. People who travel and stay away from home for more than a day need lodging for sleep, rest, safety, shelter from cold temperatures or rain, storage of luggage and access to common household functions.Lodgings may be self catering in which case no...
, attractions
Tourist attraction
A tourist attraction is a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities....
, food service organizations
Foodservice
Food Service or catering industry defines those businesses, institutions, and companies responsible for any meal prepared outside the home...
, and tourism service professionals such as receptive operators who specialize in tour planning for a local area.
Associate Members - Manufacturers and suppliers of buses and bus-related products and services.
Mission statement
Top 100 Events in North America
The ABA compiles an annual list of its selections as the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. The events include celebrations, festivals, parades, fairs, exhibits, shows, commemorative events, etc. They are chosen by a committee of ABA-member motorcoach and tour operators from hundreds of events that have been nominated by ABA members. From among the winners, ABA names a Number One Event for the United States, and another one for Canada. The list and its members get worldwide publicity through television, radio, and print media.The Top 100 Events for the coming year are published in a full-color Top 100 Events in North America magazine which is distributed with the September/October issue of ABA's Destinations magazine. ABA distributes the magazine to all its members and to thousands of travelers worldwide. ABA's Web site also lists the winners and has links directly to the events.
Some events, after many years of appearing on the Top 100 Events list, are granted permanient status as Internationally Known Events. They appear each year in a special category along with the Top 100 Events. Here is the current list of 34 Internationally Known Events:
| Event | Location |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly festival of hot air balloons that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA during early October. The balloon fiesta is a nine day event, and has around 750 balloons... |
Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico, United States. It is the county seat of Bernalillo County and is situated in the central part of the state, straddling the Rio Grande. The city population was 545,852 as of the 2010 Census and ranks as the 32nd-largest city in the U.S. As... |
| Boston Harborfest | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Calgary Stampede Calgary Stampede The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival held every July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The ten-day event, which bills itself as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", attracts over one million visitors per year and features one of the world's largest rodeos, a parade, midway,... |
Calgary, Alberta |
| Canadian Tulip Festival | Gatineau, Québec |
| Cheyenne Frontier Days | Cheyenne, Wyoming Cheyenne, Wyoming Cheyenne is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Wyoming and the county seat of Laramie County. It is the principal city of the Cheyenne, Wyoming, Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Laramie County. The population is 59,466 at the 2010 census. Cheyenne is the... |
| Christmas at Biltmore Estate Biltmore Estate Biltmore House is a Châteauesque-styled mansion near Asheville, North Carolina, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895. It is the largest privately-owned home in the United States, at and featuring 250 rooms... |
Asheville, North Carolina Asheville, North Carolina Asheville is a city in and the county seat of Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States. It is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and the 11th largest city in North Carolina. The City is home to the United States National Climatic Data Center , which is the world's largest active... |
| Country Music Association – CMA Music Festival CMA Music Festival The CMA Music Festival is a four-day music festival centered around country music hosted each June by the Country Music Association in Nashville, Tennessee... |
Nashville, Tennessee Nashville, Tennessee Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home... |
| Daytona 500 Daytona 500 The Daytona 500 is a -long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is one of four restrictor plate races on the Cup schedule.... |
Daytona Beach, Florida Daytona Beach, Florida Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, USA. According to 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the city has a population of 64,211. Daytona Beach is a principal city of the Deltona – Daytona Beach – Ormond Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which the census bureau estimated had... |
| Festival International de Jazz de Montréal Festival International de Jazz de Montréal The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is an annual jazz festival held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Jazz Fest holds the 2004 Guinness World Record as the world's largest jazz festival... |
Montréal, Québec |
| Fiesta San Antonio Fiesta San Antonio "Fiesta San Antonio" is an annual spring festival held in San Antonio, Texas with origins dating to the late 19th century. The festival began as a single event to honor the memory of the battles of The Alamo and San Jacinto.... |
San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States of America and the second-largest city within the state of Texas, with a population of 1.33 million. Located in the American Southwest and the south–central part of Texas, the city serves as the seat of Bexar County. In 2011,... |
| Folklorama – Canada’s Cultural Celebration Folklorama Folklorama is an event that runs for two weeks each August in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Folklorama is the largest and longest-running festival of its kind in the world... |
Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| Holland Tulip Time Festival Tulip Time Festival Tulip Time Festival is an annual festival held in Holland, Michigan. Tulip festivals are held in many cities around the United States of America that were founded or largely inhabited by Dutch settlers. It has been held every year in mid-May since 1929 and is currently the largest tulip festival in... |
Holland, Michigan Holland, Michigan Holland is a city in the western region of the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan on Lake Macatawa, which is fed by the Macatawa River .... |
| Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race | Wasilla, Alaska Wasilla, Alaska Wasilla is a city in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, United States and the sixth-largest city in Alaska. It is located on the northern point of Cook Inlet in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of the southcentral part of the state. The city's population was 7,831 at the 2010 census... |
| Indianapolis 500 Festival Indianapolis 500 The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana... |
Indianapolis, Indiana Indianapolis, Indiana Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S... |
| Just for Laughs, The Montréal International Comedy Festival Just for Laughs Just for Laughs is a comedy festival held each July in Montreal, Quebec, founded in 1983. It is the largest international comedy festival in the world.- Information :... |
Montréal, Québec |
| Kentucky Derby Festival Kentucky Derby Festival The Kentucky Derby Festival is an annual festival held in Louisville, Kentucky during the two weeks preceding the first Saturday in May, the day of the Kentucky Derby... |
Louisville, Kentucky Louisville, Kentucky Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096... |
| Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, often shortened to Macy's Day Parade, is an annual parade presented by Macy's. The tradition started in 1924, tying it for the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States along with America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, and four years younger than... |
New York, New York |
| Mardi Gras Mardi Gras The terms "Mardi Gras" , "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season", in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday... |
New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population... |
| National Cherry Blossom Festival National Cherry Blossom Festival The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring celebration in Washington, D.C., commemorating the March 27, 1912, gift of Japanese cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington... |
Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution.... |
| National Independence Day Celebration A Capitol Fourth A Capitol Fourth is a free annual concert performed on the west lawn of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., in celebration of the Independence Day. Broadcast live on PBS and NPR, the concert is viewed and heard by millions across The United States and the world, as well as... |
Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution.... |
| Ozark Mountain Christmas | Branson, Missouri Branson, Missouri Branson is a city in Taney County in the U.S. state of Missouri. It was named after Reuben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s.... |
| Philadelphia International Flower Show | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,... |
| Philadelphia Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale Mummers Parade The Mummers Parade is held each New Year's Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Local clubs compete in one of four categories . They prepare elaborate costumes and moveable scenery, which take months to complete... |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,... |
| Portland Rose Festival Portland Rose Festival The Portland Rose Festival is an annual civic festival held during the month of June in Portland, Oregon. It is organized by the volunteer non-profit Portland Rose Festival Association with the purpose of promoting the Portland region... |
Portland, Oregon Portland, Oregon Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States... |
| Preakness Celebration | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Québec Winter Carnival | Québec City, Québec |
| Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo -Background:The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is a show inspired by Military Tattoos given by military bands and display teams. It has taken place annually in Nova Scotia's capital, Halifax since 1979. It is the largest annual indoor show in the world. It is currently held in the Halifax... |
Halifax, Nova Scotia |
| Saint Paul Winter Carnival Saint Paul Winter Carnival In 1885, a New York reporter wrote that Saint Paul was "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation" in winter. Offended by this attack on their Capital City, the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce decided to not only prove that Saint Paul was habitable but that its citizens were very much alive during... |
Saint Paul, Minnesota Saint Paul, Minnesota Saint Paul is the capital and second-most populous city of the U.S. state of Minnesota. The city lies mostly on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the area surrounding its point of confluence with the Minnesota River, and adjoins Minneapolis, the state's largest city... |
| Shaw Festival Shaw Festival The Shaw Festival is a major Canadian theatre festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, the second largest repertory theatre company in North America... |
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario Niagara-on-the-Lake is a Canadian town located in Southern Ontario where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario in the Niagara Region of the southern part of the province of Ontario. It is located across the Niagara river from Youngstown, New York, USA... |
| Stratford Shakespeare Festival | Stratford, Ontario Stratford, Ontario Stratford is a city on the Avon River in Perth County in southwestern Ontario, Canada with a population of 32,000.When the area was first settled by Europeans in 1832, the townsite and the river were named after Stratford-upon-Avon, England. It is the seat of Perth County. Stratford was... |
| The Big E The Big E The Big E, also known as The Eastern States Exposition, is billed as "New England's Great State fair". The Big E serves as the de facto state fair for all six of the New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Each of the New England states is... |
West Springfield, Massachusetts West Springfield, Massachusetts The Town of West Springfield is a city in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 28,391 at the 2010 census... |
| Tournament of Roses | Pasadena, California Pasadena, California Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Although famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology , the Jet... |
| Virginia Arts Festival - International Tattoo Performances Virginia International Tattoo The Virginia International Tattoo began in 1997 and is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival. Presented annually in Norfolk, Virginia, the Virginia International Tattoo is an exhibition of military bands, massed pipes and drums, military drill teams, gymnasts, Scottish dancers, and choirs... |
Norfolk, Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach.... |
| Winter Festival of Lights | Niagara Falls, Ontario Niagara Falls, Ontario Niagara Falls is a Canadian city on the Niagara River in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario. The municipality was incorporated on June 12, 1903... |
Other major activities
For its members, the ABA provides networking and business development opportunities, government advocacy, and information about its industry. It works to connect members in several segments of the motorcoach, tour and travel community. For the traveling public, it works to assure safe, pleasant, and economical experiences when traveling by bus. Its specific activities include:American Bus Marketplace. Holds this annual convention
Convention (meeting)
A convention, in the sense of a meeting, is a gathering of individuals who meet at an arranged place and time in order to discuss or engage in some common interest. The most common conventions are based upon industry, profession, and fandom...
, which is a major event for the group travel industry. It is held in a different city each year, with a typical attendance of about 3,000 people. The meeting presents an annual opportunity for members of the group travel and motorcoach industry to build business relationships, view new products and services, learn about the latest industry trends, and develop personal networks. The Marketplace features a highly organized series of opportunities for attendees to meet face-to-face in prescheduled seven-minute appointments. Other Marketplace events include professional education seminars, exhibits provided by suppliers, and familiarization tours of attractions in the host city.
Bus Industry Safety Council. Sponsors this organization, whose mission is to develop and promote motorcoach safety. The 200-member council meets regularly to discuss issues and innovations in areas of safety, regulatory compliance, mechanics, technology and security.
Publications. Publishes Destinations magazine, an important glossy magazine in the tour and travel industry, and The Insider, a biweekly newsletter for members and others. Compiles and distributes The ABA Motorcoach Marketer, an annual member directory and travel guide.
Continuing education. Sponsors the Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS) program, providing motorcoach and group travel professionals with industry-specific education and credentialing. The education is provided through correspondence courses at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis and attendance at specialized ABA educational seminars. Conducts webinars online, and educational talks and seminar
Seminar
Seminar is, generally, a form of academic instruction, either at an academic institution or offered by a commercial or professional organization. It has the function of bringing together small groups for recurring meetings, focusing each time on some particular subject, in which everyone present is...
s at its annual Marketplace event.
Awards. Sponsors a Lifetime Achievement Award for individuals who have made major contributions to the motorcoach, tourism, and hospitality industry, and a Kaleidoscope Award for individuals or organizations that have directly impacted the advancement of diversity within the industry.
Code of Ethics. Sponsors a code of ethics for its members. The code was adopted to promote and maintain high standards of business and personal conduct. Its ten points cover general business integrity and several specific items of financial behavior.
Government Affairs. Represents the industry before elected officials and regulatory bodies. Monitors pertinent legislative and regulatory activity, and keeps members informed of developments in these areas. These activities have helped in securing Americans with Disabilities Act grants to assist coach operators in equipping coaches with wheelchair lifts, and Transportation Security Administration
Transportation Security Administration
The Transportation Security Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that exercises authority over the safety and security of the traveling public in the United States....
funds in support of industry efforts to improve security measures for drivers and passengers.
Affiliated organizations
The ABA sponsors the ABA Foundation, which funds research, scholarships, and internships related to its mission. It supports BUSPAC, a political action committeePolitical action committee
In the United States, a political action committee, or PAC, is the name commonly given to a private group, regardless of size, organized to elect political candidates or to advance the outcome of a political issue or legislation. Legally, what constitutes a "PAC" for purposes of regulation is a...
that works to advance the interests of the industry and the traveling public.
The ABA maintains strategic partnerships with about twenty other industry organizations and a similar number of state and provincial bus associations.
See also
- CharabancCharabancA charabanc or "char-à-banc" is a type of horse-drawn vehicle or early motor coach, usually open-topped, common in Britain during the early part of the 20th century. It was especially popular for sight-seeing or "works outings" to the country or the seaside, organised by businesses once a year...
- Double-decker busDouble-decker busA double-decker bus is a bus that has two storeys or 'decks'. Global usage of this type of bus is more common in outer touring than in its intra-urban transportion role. Double-decker buses are also commonly found in certain parts of Europe, Asia, and former British colonies and protectorates...
- Roadside attractionRoadside attractionA roadside attraction is a feature along the side of a road, that is frequently advertised with billboards to attract tourists. In general, these are places one might stop on the way to somewhere else, rather than being a final or primary destination in and of themselves. The modern...
- Sleeper busSleeper busA sleeper bus is a type of specially adapted coach, often used to transport bands and their technicians and road crew between cities and shows....
- Tour bus service
- Tour guideTour guideA tour guide provides assistance, information and cultural, historical and contemporary heritage interpretation to people on organized tours, individual clients, educational establishments, at religious and historical sites, museums, and at venues of other significant interest...
- Tourist destinationTourist destinationA tourist destination is a city, town, or other area that is dependent to a significant extent on the revenues accruing from tourism. It may contain one or more tourist attractions and possibly some "tourist traps."...
- Tourist trapTourist trapA tourist trap is an establishment, or group of establishments, that has been created with the aim of attracting tourists and their money...
- Travel behaviorTravel behaviorTravel behavior is the study of what people do over space, and how people use transport. The questions studied in travel behavior are broad, and are very much related to activity analysis and time use research studies.* How many trips do people make?...