The U.S. and Canadian motorcoach industry continues to show steady, solid growth as one of the most flexible, cost-effective and environmentally efficient modes of transportation, according to a new study released by the American Bus Association Foundation.

Overall, while the number of U.S. carriers and motorcoaches were down in 2012 by 0.7% and 1.8%, respectively, the number of passenger trips in 2012 rose by 10,453 trips, or 1.7%, compared with 2011, continuing a trend of nearly 6% growth in the last three years.

The 637-plus million motorcoach passenger trips compares to 736 million enplanements and 31 million passengers on Amtrak, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Amtrak’s 2012 annual report, respectively.

The survey also found the motorcoach industry continues to be a small business success story with more than 94% of the industry operating fewer than 25 buses.

To view the entire report, click here.