[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 169 (Thursday, October 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION'S BUS 
                        INDUSTRY SAFETY COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 24, 2019

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the 
American Bus Association (ABA) and its Bus Industry Safety Council or 
``BISC.'' This year BISC will be celebrating its 20th anniversary as 
the only private motorcoach safety organization in North America. In 
2000, ABA had the foresight and dedication to establish BISC for the 
sole purpose of enhancing the safety of commercial passenger-carrying 
motor vehicle operations. Initially, the group was made up of 30 
passionate and dedicated bus industry safety directors but has since 
grown into a vital network of highway safety advocates, including 
members of the motorcoach industry, federal and local safety oversight 
and enforcement officials, research entities, and international 
organizations. I would like to congratulate ABA and the Bus Industry 
Safety Council on this auspicious occasion and recognize BISC's 20 
years of commitment to improving bus and motorcoach safety.
  In response to the horrific events of a bus crash that claimed 23 
lives just outside New Orleans on May 10, 1999, Mother's Day, and a 
year that saw a high-water mark of 32 motorcoach passenger fatalities, 
ABA supported the formation of BISC. The founding goal of the Council 
was, and remains today, to continually raise the level of safety in the 
intercity bus and motorcoach industry through collaborative efforts 
with industry, government officials, and other safety professionals in 
a workshop and educational environment. To its credit, BISC has and 
continues to successfully meet this goal.
  Through BISC's education and outreach efforts, onboard motorcoach 
passenger fatalities have continued to decrease since its 
establishment, annually providing nearly 600 million passengers with 
safe transportation. The BISC has played a critical role in assisting 
the industry to adopt safety technology and practices. Growing from 
that initial core of 30 founding members, BISC now counts over 400 
individuals among its membership, representing every aspect of the 
motorcoach industry. BISC members provide expertise in areas such as 
security, mechanical, safety, and operational and maintenance 
responsibilities, with leadership from across the entire North American 
motorcoach industry. The group meets regularly to discuss issues and 
innovations in areas of safety, regulatory compliance, mechanics, 
technology, and passenger security, to address the transportation 
safety needs not only of today but for the future of the national 
transportation system.
  I would like to join with ABA and the entire motorcoach industry in 
saluting this safety organization. We recognize the many contributions 
BISC has made to highway safety and the success in bringing the 
traveling public safely to their destinations. Congratulations to the 
Bus Industry Safety Council on 20 years of dedication and commitment to 
bus and motorcoach safety. Keep up the good work, as we look forward to 
the next 20 years.

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