NTA Supports Bipartisan BUSES Act

July 13, 2026

The National Tour Association recently signed on to support legislation intended to strengthen motorcoach safety and to make applying environmental standards more consistent.  The Buses Utilizing Safety and Environmental Standards Act (BUSES Act), which was introduced by representatives Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), is designed to establish a clear and consistent national framework for over-the-road bus idling.

Not only are motorcoaches a vital component of the travel industry, but they are also vital to the nation’s entire transportation system, serving tourism, education, workforce mobility, military transportation, airport access, commuter travel, and emergency response. As one of the most environmentally efficient modes of passenger transportation, motorcoaches help reduce congestion and emissions by moving large numbers of travelers in a single vehicle.

In recent years, a growing patchwork of state and local idling restrictions has created uncertainty for interstate motorcoach operators. These requirements can conflict with federal safety and accessibility obligations that necessitate limited, operational idling to conduct safety inspections, maintain air brake pressure, operate ADA accessibility equipment, support passenger boarding and unloading, and ensure safe cabin conditions. In some areas, aggressive enforcement practices, including bounty-style programs, have further complicated compliance.

The BUSES Act addresses these challenges by establishing a national minimum standard that prevents enforcement of bus idling restrictions for periods under 15 minutes. The legislation also prohibits bounty-style enforcement programs and limits certain Clean Air Act citizen suit actions related to covered operational idling. Together, these provisions provide regulatory consistency while recognizing the operational realities of motorcoach transportation.

NTA believes the BUSES Act delivers benefits well beyond the motorcoach industry. Destinations, hotels, schools, event organizers, employers, and millions of travelers rely on dependable motorcoach service. By balancing safety, accessibility, mobility, and environmental responsibility, the BUSES Act helps ensure motorcoach transportation remains a reliable and sustainable cornerstone of the travel and tourism economy.