PRESS RELEASE

October 14, 2022, EASTON, PA– Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) is celebrating their 100^th Anniversary in 2023 and have produced a video to commemorate the occasion. 

With help from association members, a treasure trove of archives from PBA (and the Bus Museum of Transportation), national partners and KRR Photography, a 100^th commemorative video was created and is now available on PBA’s YouTube channel, PBA social media channels and the website www.pabus.org.

Founded in 1923, Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) has functioned without interruption and with an unrelenting commitment to the safety of the traveling public and the economic well-being of its member companies.

The yearlong celebration was kicked off in State College during PBA’s Annual Conference. Smaller celebrations are planned throughout 2023:  during Spring Fling weekend at Bus Museum of Transportation in Hershey, PBA Marketplace in Morgantown, and PBA Annual Meeting & Conference in Jamestown NY. 

PBA members took time to share their thoughts on PBA’s centennial milestone:

John Henry, Vice-President of Business Operations for PBA founding member the Martz Group: “Pennsylvania Bus creates a real sense of community within our industry. The information and networking PBA provides has helped further our company for generations. Our founder, Frank Martz, helped establish PBA and would be proud of its current leadership and value to our industry. Congratulations on celebrating 100 years!”

Alison Sherman, President of Klein Transportation and PBA Board member:  “I have the pleasure of being the third generation from my family’s motorcoach company to serve on the board of PBA. This organization does amazing things through advocacy and by facilitating the connections that help us thrive as an industry and I am proud to be part of it.”

Sandy Borowsky, Vice-President of Tours and Marketing at Starr Tours and PBA Board member: “Running a motorcoach and tour company these days is certainly no easy feat.  That is why PBA is so important to us.  Having an organization like PBA that provides support, information, and a connection to all our industry friends is critical to our success. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate PBAs 100^th anniversary and looking forward to many more successful years.”

PBA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the business and governmental interests of private bus companies operating in Pennsylvania. PBA is committed to addressing the needs and issues of the motorcoach industry.

The membership includes motorcoach operators, companies servicing the industry, and travel suppliers, all working together to build their businesses.  Governmental affairs, advocacy, travel and tourism marketing, education, safety, and communication constitute the major areas of involvement for this, one of the oldest public passenger transportation associations in the United States.

The motorcoach, travel and tourism industry create jobs nationwide, provides access for communities, and contributes to environmental sustainability. PBA strives to provide members with information to further their businesses and create opportunities for industry connections.  A few of the annual events promote education and community among members:

• PBA’s Marketplace provides bus operators, tour planners and group leaders with the valuable opportunity to gain experience about exciting new attractions and explore favorite destinations for group travel.  The date and location for 2023 Marketplace is March 27-28 in Morgantown, PA hosted by Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Registration is open!
• PBA’s Annual Meeting is an industry-wide event devoted to education, business interaction, and social networking. A key component of the event is highlighting the geographic area so that motorcoach operators will return with groups to enjoy a new travel opportunity. The date and location for 2023 Annual Meeting is June 18-21 in Jamestown, NY hosted by Chautauqua Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
• PBA’s Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop not only provides employees of motorcoach companies an opportunity to gain experience about safety-related issues, but it also establishes a working relationship with the enforcement community so that everyone involved in safety, work together.  Communication to understanding safety measures is the key to providing motorcoach customers with the necessary assurances the industry demands.

For more information, please visit www.pabus.org or contact our Executive Director, Patricia Cowley at director@pabus.org.