In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on combating human trafficking, particularly in relation to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The president and CEO of Coach USA and Coach Canada highlighted the alarming role of the busing industry in facilitating human trafficking, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training for employees to recognize and report potential victims.

Under his leadership, Coach USA has implemented a rigorous training program called \"Buses on the Lookout,\" which equips drivers and customer-facing staff with the skills to identify signs of trafficking. This initiative has garnered attention from federal authorities, including Robin Hutchinson, former head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who visited their training facility to observe their efforts firsthand.

The CEO also shared his involvement with the U.S. Department of Transportation's advisory committee on human trafficking, advocating for the inclusion of victim perspectives in training materials and public awareness campaigns. He criticized previous anti-trafficking posters for their lack of diversity and effectiveness, stressing the importance of accurately representing the victims of trafficking.

A significant proposal discussed was the establishment of a survivor leader advisory council within the New Jersey Department of Health, aimed at creating a report on human trafficking in relation to the World Cup. This council would include law enforcement officers with experience in victim support and would hold meetings without law enforcement present to ensure a survivor-centric approach.

Rebecca Grossman, director of advocacy for the National Council of Jewish Women, also testified in favor of the proposed bills, emphasizing the need for public signage in high-traffic areas to assist victims discreetly. She pointed out that large events like the World Cup often attract traffickers, making proactive measures essential.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to addressing human trafficking through education, training, and survivor involvement, with a call for legislative support to enhance these efforts in New Jersey and beyond.