METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Motorcoach operating costs up 34%, says ABA survey

Per-mile operating costs for a 40-foot or larger coach increased 34% since 1999 to $1.90, according to the American Bus Association’s annual survey.

July 1, 2001
2 min to read


Per-mile operating costs for a 40-foot or larger coach increased 34% since 1999 to $1.90, according to the American Bus Association’s annual survey. At the same time, the amount that operators charge per mile for charters and tours increased about 13% since 1999 to $2.51. Despite that, average annual revenue per coach for companies with less than 10 coaches was up 22%, reaching about $130,000 in 2001. Companies with 40 or more coaches averaged $200,000 per coach, a 43% increase over 1999’s average. The average per hour charge for charters and tours increased from $60.19 in 1999 to $63.07 in 2001. Only 12% of those who responded charge $80 or more per hour. The 161 respondents to the survey averaged 18 coaches and 62,568 miles per coach per year for charters and tours. Five percent averaged 110,000 miles or more per year. The average number of passengers carried per coach per year increased from 36 to 40. The age of the operators’ fleets averages 9.44 years. Wages for drivers and mechanics are on the rise. Eighteen percent of the companies paid their drivers more than $10.99 per hour in 1999. This year, 44% said they pay more than $10.99. Most of the operators average 17 full-time drivers and 18 part-time drivers. Fifty-five percent of the operators paid their mechanics $15 or more per hour, compared with 20% paying that amount in 1999. Internet access is also becoming more common for motorcoach operators, with 94% having access at the office compared to 77% in 1999. Seventy-five percent of the operators have their own Website, up from 51%.

Topics:Management
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Management

A picture of C-TRAN's electric bus.
Managementby StaffFebruary 6, 2026

C-TRAN Sees Fourth Consecutive Year of Ridership Growth

The total ridership includes all fixed-route bus service, C-VAN paratransit service, The Current, Vanpool, and special event service. Almost all individual routes saw year-over-year increases from 2024 to 2025.

Read More →
A woman pushes a man in a wheelchair on a rail platform.
Managementby Elora HaynesFebruary 5, 2026

Free Rides, Civil Rights, and the Legacy of Rosa Parks in 2026

Transit agencies across the U.S. commemorated Transit Equity Day with zero fares and a renewed focus on access and equity.

Read More →
Rendering of Sound Transit's Renton Transit Center
Busby StaffFebruary 5, 2026

Seattle’s Sound Transit Breaks Ground on New Transit Center

The Renton Transit Center project will relocate and rebuild the Renton Transit Center to better serve the regional Stride S1 line, local King County Metro services, and the future RapidRide I Line.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo for METROspectives episode with Ana-Maria Tomlinson
ManagementFebruary 4, 2026

Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson

In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group).

Read More →
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New Mobilityby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program

The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Foothill Gold Line: Design Contract Award & 2026 Board Leadership."
Managementby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Foothill Gold Line Board Awards Claremont Extension Design Contract to Parsons, Maintains Board Leadership for 2026

Parsons wins the $60M Claremont Extension design contract as the Foothill Gold Line board reaffirms leadership during a pivotal project phase.

Read More →
Technologyby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Houston METRO Introduces RideMETRO Fare System

The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →