American Bus Association (ABA)
American Bus Association (ABA) Releases New Industry Census;
Motorcoach Industry Regaining Pre-9/11 Strength
American Bus Association (ABA) Releases New Industry Census
Washington, DC � October 2006  � The motorcoach industry is demonstrating resilience and regaining its pre-9/11 strength according to two new surveys from the American Bus Association (ABA). Motorcoach Census 2005 is the first industry census since 1999 that looks at passenger traffic, vehicle count, mileage, demographics and other key data in the U.S. and Canada. Motorcoach Census 2005 (pdf file) is supplemented by Motorcoach Census 2006 Update (pdf file), a �mini survey� that polls the industry on three key factors � passenger traffic, vehicle count, and mileage.

Four U.S. and one Canadian motorcoach organizations worked together to collect data for the ABA survey that was prepared by Nathan Associates. Those polled included members of ABA, the International Motorcoach Group, Motor Coach Canada, Trailways and the United Motorcoach Association. Data includes the industry in the U.S. and Canada. Census and Update reflected 2004 and 2005 end-of-year data, respectively.

Motorcoach Census 2005 data shows more than 3500 businesses employing over 163,000 people, the industry operates more than 38,000 coaches, and is responsible for more than 595 million passenger trips. These coaches travel more than 2.3 billion miles in the U.S. and Canada, while consuming 433 million gallons of fuel. And, more than half of those passengers were students or senior citizens, while 54 percent of passengers were female.

Of particular note is that the Update 2006 shows increasing strength within the industry. There was an increase of passenger trips between 2004 and 2005; growing more than 6 percent to 631 million passenger trips. Additionally, the number of motorcoaches operated increased 1.5 percent, to 39,068, and motorcoach mileage rose 2.3 percent, to 2.44 billion miles.

Peter J. Pantuso, president and CEO, American Bus Association said, �ABA is pleased to be able to provide this important benchmarking data to help both policymakers and industry stakeholders understand how the industry has responded to the post 9/11 challenges for the transportation, tour and travel business. We continue to be the nation�s workhorse serving as a primary source of transportation for so many and as the intermodal glue that binds our national surface transportation network.� According to Pantuso, the Census Update will be published annually each fall with a full Motorcoach Census conducted every five years.

Beyond size and activity, the 2005 census also reported other industry estimates that shed more light on the state of the industry:

  • Many Carriers Compete with Transit Companies. Nearly half (47.9 percent) of motorcoach operators face competition from transit agencies.
  • Most Operators Purchase Fuel at Retail. Nearly seven in ten carriers (69.6 percent) bought fuel for their motorcoaches only at retail.
  • Charter and Tour are the Most Frequently Provided Service. Nearly all carriers, or 96.3 percent, provided charter service.
  • Almost Half of the Carriers Reported Operating Other Revenue-Generating Vehicles. More than 48 percent operate, along with their motorcoaches, other passenger vehicles that generate revenue.
  • The Annual Average Per Coach Revenue Reported was $159,275; Large Carriers Have Higher Sales per Coach and Charters Have Lower Sales, Regardless of Size.
�Through release of this census, we are asking policymakers and the nation�s consumers to take note. Our industry connects families and communities and serves the nation as a good investment economically and by providing environmental and congestion-mitigating benefits by reducing car use. That�s something to remember when both consumer choice and transportation policy decisions are made,� Pantuso said.

Nathan Associates also authored the recent ABA Foundation report, �Impact of Motorcoaches on Society and the Economy.� The Motorcoach Census 2005 and Motorcoach Census 2006 Update (and the Impact of Motorcoaches on Society and the Economy) can be found on ABA�s website at www.buses.org.
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The American Bus Association is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry with more than 1,000 motorcoach owner and tour company members in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations and contract services. Another 2,500 members are travel and tourism organizations and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry.
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Media Contact:
Lori Harrison
American Bus Association
610-400-1823
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