Programs

DoD Bus 

The DoD Bus Program ensures commercial companies performing Federal chartered services meet DoD safety and service standards. Over 400 commercial bus, limousine, and van carriers participate to meet ground transportation needs for troop movements, recruit travel, and other group moves. Because of the volume of passengers and baggage involved in group movements, bus transportation is often the most economical and efficient method of moving DoD personnel.

The Defense Travel Management Office manages the program through DoD Bus Agreement #5, an agreement with carriers that establishes the specific terms, conditions and standards that must be met when providing transportation for DoD passengers. The program applies only to movements within the continental United States (CONUS) and within non-foreign states and U.S. territories Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS).

Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR)

The DTR, Chapter 104 [PDF, 10 pages] outlines routing authority for bus moves, the proper procurement and payment procedures, and the process for requesting a bus movement.

Transportation Coordinators and authorized users must use the DoD approved carrier list [PDF, 65 pages] to arrange for transportation within their routing authority or use the U.S. Transportation Command's Group Operational Passenger System (GOPAX).

DoD Bus Agreement #5

In addition to the terms and standards established in DoD Bus Agreement #5 [PDF, 36 pages], participating carriers must also comply with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR), Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and state regulations, directives, orders, rules and standards of service requirements. Carriers are subject to unscheduled safety inspections to monitor continued compliance.

ADA Compliance

ADA requirements for Over-the-Road bus (OTRB) companies (a bus characterized by an elevated passenger deck over a baggage compartment) are outlined in the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations, 49 CFR, part 37, subpart H. There are carriers participating in the program that can accommodate handicapped personnel. If they are not available in a specific region where a movement is requested, email DTMO for assistance.

The Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) mandates use of the U.S. Transportation Command's Group Operational Passenger System (GOPAX) to request and procure full-charter transportation of DoD personnel traveling in groups.

GOPAX allows Transportation Officers and authorized users to submit requests for bus movements and DoD-approved carriers to provide offers of service. This process for commercial movement of group duty passengers varies with the type of movement required. Domestic (CONUS only) air movements and domestic surface movements are coordinated through GOPAX.

All GOPAX system issues are handled by USTRANSCOM. For GOPAX support, email the USTRANSCOM Help Desk or call 618-220-6432. Training videos are available inside GOPAX.

Carriers are responsible for following any applicable requirements of the Department of Labor (DOL) Service Contract Act (SCA) of 1965, particularly for service in excess of $2,500. The Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) are the official sources for regulatory information published by the DOL.

DoD Bus Agreement #5

See terms, conditions and standards for transporting DoD passengers [PDF, 36 pages]

Carrier Application

Become a DoD-Approved Carrier

Contact Us

Email DTMO's Bus Program team