A new study conducted by DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development found that intercity bus ridership surged to record levels between the fourth quarters of 2007 and 2008, with scheduled intercity bus departures rising 9.8 percent during that time period.

The new study, “2008 Update on Intercity Bus Service: Summary of Annual Change,” offers fresh figures to update the landmark study released in late 2007, “The Return Of The Intercity Bus: The Decline and Rise of Scheduled Service to American Cities, 1960-2007.”

The updated study, authored by Professor Joseph P. Schwieterman, PhD., reports that the “renaissance of intercity bus service” is attributable to many factors, including the escalation of fuel prices, the revival of downtown districts in major cities, higher parking costs, and the growing acceptance of bus travel among younger travelers and pleasure-oriented travelers.

The new research also quantifies the energy savings and emissions slashed by increased bus ridership, reporting that that the growth of bus travel has cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 36,000 tons and reduced fuel use by an estimated 3.48 million gallons (diesel fuel, gasoline and jet fuel) over the past year.

To view the entire study, click here.