PRESS & MEDIA

We're proud to share that Mark Tedesco, Executive Vice President of Academy Bus, has been appointed to the newly launched Transportation Advisory Board by the U.S Department of Transportation. The Board, which held its inaugural meeting Tuesday at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, is focused on shaping national transportation policy, accelerating infrastructure investment, and promoting innovation across the industry.

Mark will respresent the motorcoach and commercial passenger carrier sector, bringing firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our industry. During the meeting, he spoke about a need for practical solutions to issues like idling regulations and urban congestion.

"It's an honor to represent the motorcoach and passenger carrier industry on the Transportation Advisory Board," said Mark Tedesco. "As we look ahead, it's critical that our sector has a voice in shaping national infrastructure policy - especially as we tackle challenges around sustainability, connectivity, and equitable access. I 'm proud to contribute to a dialogue that prioritizes innovation and strategic investment in American transportation."

"On behalf of the American Bus Association, I congratulate Mark Tedesco from Academy Bus on his appointment to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Advisory Board," said ABA President and CEO Fred Ferguson. "Mark's deep experience and leadership in the motorcoach industry make him an outstanding representative for our members and the broader commercial passenger transportation sector. We're grateful for his service, Academy's membership in ABA and we're proud to see the industry's voice included in this important conversation about the future of transportation policy and infrastructure investment."

According to the DOT's announcement, the Board is charged with delivering recommendations in four core areas:

Strategic modernization and expansion of infrastructure;
Investment opportunities in transportation technology and innovation;
Regulatory and policy improvements to reduce red tage; and
Public-private partnerships to amplify project impact and funding.

During the meeting, Tedesco raised concerns about idling restrictions in New York City and advocated for more thoughtful engagement with local governments on practical operating challenges for commercial carriers. 

The new advisory body represents a key mechanism for USDOT to quickly elevate ideas and forge consensus around emerging transportation needs, without waiting on slow-moving legislation. With both public and private sector leaders around the table, the Board is expected to recommend and help initiate shovel-ready projects that can by implemented in months, not years.

Congratulations to Mark on this new appointment.