Human trafficking is a pervasive crime that exploits the most vulnerable in our communities, and the transportation industry is often an unwitting conduit for traffickers. Recognizing the critical role that transportation professionals can play in both the prevention and intervention of trafficking, the American Bus Association (ABA) has taken a significant step forward by partnering with Hoʻōla Nā Pua, a Hawaii-based nonprofit dedicated to combating child sex trafficking and supporting survivors. This partnership marks a deepening of ABA’s longstanding commitment to anti-human trafficking efforts and sets a new standard for industry engagement and social responsibility.
The American Bus Association: A Leader in Transportation and Advocacy
The American Bus Association is the most trusted and influential motorcoach, group tour, and travel association in North America. Representing a broad spectrum of the industry—including motorcoach operators, tour operators, and travel industry suppliers—ABA is recognized as the primary voice for the motorcoach and group travel industry in Washington, D.C. The association’s mission is to maximize the success of its members through advocacy, education, research, and the facilitation of industry connections .
ABA’s influence is substantial: it connects all segments of the industry, informs policymakers, and supports research on the economic and social impact of motorcoach travel. The association’s reach extends to thousands of companies and employees, making it a powerful platform for industry-wide initiatives, including those focused on public safety and social good .
ABA’s Track Record in Anti-Human Trafficking
ABA has a robust history of anti-trafficking initiatives. The association has long recognized that traffickers exploit transportation systems—especially buses and motorcoaches—to move victims, recruit new individuals, and evade detection. In fact, studies show that 42% of trafficking survivors report that buses were used in their exploitation, underscoring the vulnerability of this mode of travel .
To address this, ABA has:
- Partnered with organizations like Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) and Busing on the Lookout (BOTL) to provide training and resources to bus and motorcoach operators, helping them recognize and report signs of human trafficking .
- Promoted awareness campaigns and distributed educational materials to both employees and passengers, including the display of the National Human Trafficking Hotline in stations and on vehicles .
- Advocated for policy change, supporting legislation such as the “No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act,” which permanently bans commercial drivers convicted of using a commercial vehicle in the commission of severe human trafficking .
- Encouraged industry action, with members like Coach USA/Megabus providing free tickets to help trafficking victims access services or reunite with family .
These efforts have led to real-world impact, with trained drivers and staff successfully identifying and reporting trafficking situations, resulting in victim recoveries and the disruption of trafficking networks .
Hoʻōla Nā Pua: Shining a Light on Child Sex Trafficking
Hoʻōla Nā Pua, meaning “New Life for Our Children,” is a Hawaii-based nonprofit organization at the forefront of the fight against child sex trafficking. Their mission is to prevent trafficking, provide care for youth who have been exploited, and empower survivors to reclaim their futures . HNP’s work is comprehensive, spanning prevention education, direct survivor care, advocacy, and community engagement.
Key Programs and Impact
- Prevention and Education: HNP delivers community and school-based training to raise awareness of sex trafficking, targeting youth, educators, first responders, and the general public .
- Direct Survivor Care: Through the Starfish Mentoring Program and Pearl Haven—the first long-term, licensed residential treatment center for sexually exploited girls in Hawaii—HNP provides trauma-informed, individualized care, including therapy, education, and life skills development .
- Advocacy and Systems Change: HNP works with law enforcement, the judiciary, and policymakers to strengthen protections for victims and improve systemic responses to trafficking .
HNP’s integrated approach has made it a national leader in anti-trafficking work, with its founder, Jessica Muñoz, recognized for her expertise in trauma-informed care and survivor advocacy .
The Partnership: Amplifying Impact Through Collaboration
The partnership between ABA and Hoʻōla Nā Pua represents a strategic alignment of resources, expertise, and influence. By joining forces, the organizations aim to:
1. Expand Education and Training
ABA will leverage its vast network to disseminate HNP’s educational materials and training programs to bus and motorcoach operators across the country. This will equip transportation professionals with the knowledge and tools to identify red flags, respond appropriately, and connect potential victims with help .
2. Raise Industry and Public Awareness
Joint awareness campaigns will target both industry employees and the traveling public, emphasizing the role of transportation in trafficking and the importance of vigilance. By making information accessible in stations, on vehicles, and through digital channels, the partnership seeks to create a culture of awareness and action .
3. Strengthen Reporting and Response Protocols
The partnership will promote best practices for reporting suspected trafficking, including clear protocols for contacting law enforcement and the National Human Trafficking Hotline. This ensures that when suspicious activity is observed, it is reported quickly and effectively, increasing the chances of intervention and victim recovery .
4. Support Survivors and Facilitate Access to Services
Recognizing that access to transportation can be a barrier for survivors seeking to escape trafficking, the partnership will explore ways to provide free or discounted travel for victims and support services, building on successful models already in place within the industry .
5. Advocate for Policy and Systems Change
By combining ABA’s policy expertise with HNP’s advocacy experience, the partnership will work to advance stronger anti-trafficking policies at both the state and federal levels, ensuring that the transportation industry remains a proactive partner in the fight against trafficking .
The Broader Context: Transportation as a Frontline in the Fight Against Trafficking
The ABA–HNP partnership is part of a growing movement within the transportation sector to address human trafficking. Initiatives like the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking (TLAHT), Truckers Against Trafficking, and industry-specific training programs have demonstrated the power of coordinated action .
Best practices for transportation companies include:
- Comprehensive employee training
- Clear reporting protocols
- Public awareness campaigns
- Collaboration with law enforcement and NGOs
- Data collection and continuous improvement
- Zero-tolerance policies for trafficking
- Support for survivors, including access to transportation
By adopting these practices and fostering partnerships like the one between ABA and HNP, the industry can disrupt trafficking networks, support survivors, and make travel safer for everyone.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Industry Engagement
The partnership between the American Bus Association and Hoʻōla Nā Pua is a model for how industry associations and nonprofit organizations can collaborate to address complex social challenges. By combining ABA’s reach and influence with HNP’s expertise in prevention, survivor care, and advocacy, the partnership has the potential to transform the transportation industry’s response to human trafficking.
As the partnership unfolds, it will serve as a beacon for other sectors, demonstrating that when industry leaders and community organizations work together, they can create meaningful change and offer hope to those who need it most.
If you are a transportation professional, industry leader, or concerned community member, you can play a role in this movement. Learn more about human trafficking, participate in training, and support organizations like Hoʻōla Nā Pua. Together, we can shine a light on trafficking and ensure that every journey is a safe one.
EndTrafficking #HopeAndHealing #ABA #HoolaNaPua #TransportationAgainstTrafficking
