Websites such as Bus Rates.com and charterbusconnect.com do most of the homework for you. Some operators are using their current customers as sources for new leads. Additionally, trade shows offer the opportunity to establish personal relationships.

Careful budget planning in advance, cross-utilizing resources, strategic partnerships and tapping into local employers are some ways to ensure a smooth expansion into new bus markets.

Transit has only a few options to deal with the crisis. They can raise fares or cut services further, potentially driving away riders and local political support.

While motorcoach operators are getting more and more comfortable with using the Internet as an effective way of marketing, there is still much to be said about face-to-face interactions. The key may be not losing sight of the community right outside your door even as you expand your online presence.

As unemployment numbers grow in the midst of the recession, transit ridership numbers have dipped. To help boost ridership, transit agencies are developing marketing campaigns and promotions, partnering with local businesses and sports teams, and implementing employee discount programs, with much success.

Transit systems owe it to themselves to educate their riders and communities about their funding sources, so they can build support for transit-related legislation.

Once again, FirstGroup America takes the top spot with 9,175 vehicles. The financial picture brightened substantially in 2010, with business up across the board by nearly 10 percent and financing hurdles easing up.

Whether in print or online, motorcoach carriers are reaching out to customers with package deals and special offers on Facebook. Meanwhile, online tools make marketing easier.