MENU
SEARCHThe American Bus Association Foundation report, conducted by Tourism Economics, underscores the industry's remarkable resilience and recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting key growth trends and its critical role in passenger transportation.
Motorcoach companies demonstrated versatility by offering a wide array of services, with 90% providing charter services, 31.6% offering tours, and 26.5% specializing in sightseeing.
Photo: MCI/Peter Pan
The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) released the highly anticipated 2024 Motorcoach Census, providing a comprehensive analysis of the motorcoach industry in the U.S. and Canada for the year 2023.
The report, conducted by Tourism Economics, underscores the industry's remarkable resilience and recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting key growth trends and its critical role in passenger transportation.
The 2024 Census reveals the motorcoach industry comprised 2,056 companies operating 25,235 motorcoaches across the U.S. and Canada.
The companies delivered 38 billion passenger miles while traveling an impressive 1.1 billion miles. Employment in the sector also reached a significant milestone, supporting 70,267 jobs.
In the U.S., 1,873 companies operated 22,589 motorcoaches, while Canada’s 183 companies managed a fleet of 2,646 motorcoaches.
Motorcoach companies demonstrated versatility by offering a wide array of services, with 90% providing charter services, 31.6% offering tours, and 26.5% specializing in sightseeing.
Additionally, commuter, urban, and rural scheduled services were vital to the industry’s offerings, showcasing its adaptability to meet regional and demographic needs.
The 2024 Census reveals the motorcoach industry comprised 2,056 companies operating 25,235 motorcoaches across the U.S. and Canada.
Photo: MCI
Despite a notable decrease in the number of companies and motorcoaches since 2019 due to industry consolidation, the data highlights a strong rebound in activity per motorcoach.
Passenger mileage and miles traveled experienced significant post-COVID recovery, with motorcoaches averaging 1.5 million passenger miles annually.
“The 2024 Motorcoach Census illustrates the incredible resilience and adaptability of the motorcoach industry,” said Lew Myers, the ABAF’s director, research, policy, and impact. “Our industry has not only survived but is thriving, providing critical transportation services to millions of passengers and supporting thousands of jobs in the U.S. and Canada.”
Looking ahead, over half of the companies surveyed indicated plans to acquire new motorcoaches in 2024, a testament to the industry’s confidence and commitment to growth.
Key Findings Include:
66% motorcoach utilization for charter services, the highest of all service types.
Small operators (92.2% of companies) continue to dominate the industry, reflecting its deeply local and community-focused nature.
Mid-sized and large operators account for significant portions of the fleet, underscoring their efficiency and capacity.
“The motorcoach industry is a vital thread in the transportation fabric of North America,” Myers added. “This report underscores the importance of supporting our operators as they continue to meet the evolving needs of passengers while driving economic activity across the continent.”
Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics, conducted the census.
The report utilizes data from surveys distributed to motorcoach carriers alongside other industry sources. It serves as a key resource for understanding trends, challenges, and opportunities in the motorcoach sector.
For the full census, click here.
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
Read More →
Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.
Read More →
From advanced driver-assist systems to upgraded passenger amenities, leading manufacturers are refining proven coach platforms to meet evolving operator and rider expectations.
Read More →
The Tidewater Current is the first east-to-west Virginia Breeze route, expanding access to key destinations including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Harrisonburg.
Read More →
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.
Read More →
The milestone delivery caps a historic contract as MTA expands its fleet to serve more than 1 million daily riders.
Read More →
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
The expansion includes a new collision center with 32 additional parking spaces, along with a significant increase in service capacity.
Read More →
Essential strategies to strengthen your business before entering a private equity transaction.
Read More →
As the American Bus Association marks its 100th year, a new ABA Foundation report highlights the Marketplace’s role as a key revenue engine for the bus and group travel industry.
Read More →