The ABA Foundation’s 38-page updated version of “The Economic Impacts and Social Benefits of the U.S. Motorcoach Industry: Binding the NationTogether by Providing Diverse and Affordable Services to Everyone” shows that the industry is vibrant despite the economy and, actually, may be benefiting from a travel mode shift because of it.

The study outlines the scope of motorcoach service in the U.S: “In 2007, the motorcoach transportation industry consisted of approximately 3,400 mostly small businesses, nearly four-fifths of which operated fewer than 10 coaches. Operating a total fleet of more than 33,400 coaches, the industry provided scheduled, charter, tour, sightseeing, airport shuttle, commuter and special operation services. More than half of all industry operators provided more than one service,” according to the study, authored by research firm Nathan & Associates Inc. The 2008 study updates previous studies from 2005 and 2006.

“This new study verifies that motorcoaches complete America’s network of transportation services,” said ABA Foundation President Peter Pantuso, CTIS.

For the full study, visit: http://www.buses.org/files/Report08.pdf.