The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) released its 2024 Motorcoach Census, which provides a comprehensive snapshot of an industry that remains a vital engine of North American mobility, connectivity, and commerce.

According to the report, 1,959 motorcoach operators were active in the U.S. and Canada in 2024, deploying 48,667 motorcoaches on roads across the continent. 

U.S. carriers accounted for the lion’s share with 1,829 companies and 47,348 coaches, while Canadian operators contributed 130 companies and 1,319 motorcoaches to the national fleet.

A Multifaceted, Mission-Driven Industry

The census highlights today's motorcoach operators' diverse range of services. 

According to the survey, 77.8% of companies delivered charter services, while 30.6% offered packaged tours and 23.6% provided sightseeing operations. 

Additionally, many operators supported scheduled commuter and intercity routes, continuing the sector’s historic role in linking urban hubs with rural and underserved communities.

“The 2024 Motorcoach Census shows an industry that is not just resilient but essential,” said Lew Myers, director, research, policy, and impact, at ABAF. “Motorcoaches move people safely, efficiently, and sustainably, supporting travel, tourism, and daily life for millions. This data reinforces our industry’s importance in the national transportation framework and signals a bright future ahead.”

By the Numbers: 2024 Highlights

Some numbers highlighted in the survey include:

• Forty billion passenger miles were delivered by the motorcoach industry last year.

• Seventy-five thousand eight hundred fifty-nine people were employed across both nations, with companies averaging 39 employees and 1.6 staff per motorcoach.

• Small operators, those with fewer than 25 coaches, made up 87.1% of the industry and drove nearly 42% of total mileage.

• Charter services accounted for 66.2% of all trips, most being single-day excursions.

• In total, motorcoaches traveled over 1.7 billion miles in 2024.

The report also projects positive momentum heading into 2025, with more than half of operators planning to expand their fleets. According to the ABAF, this shows an encouraging sign of recovery, reinvestment, and confidence in the future.

About the Survey

Conducted by Tourism Economics, the census offers a data-rich look at the motorcoach industry’s scale, structure, and service reach. 

It also reinforces the sector’s superior fuel efficiency, environmental benefits, and ongoing ability to connect diverse communities from dense urban cores to remote rural areas.

As the motorcoach landscape continues to evolve, this latest census provides a timely reminder, according to ABAF officials, that “the industry doesn’t just move passengers; it moves economies, tourism, and opportunity.”