Based on the American Bus Association Foundation survey, ABA members reported a shortage of as many as 7,300 drivers.
During his tenure, ABA’s membership nearly tripled in size and its annual convention, ABA’s Marketplace, grew to be the leading domestic packaged travel event in the industry.
For January, the participating manufacturers sold 34 new and 25 pre-owned coaches, for a total of 59 motorcoaches. This compares with just 50 during January of 2021.
As the federal government and states begin loosening travel restrictions and health mandates, the motorcoach industry hopes better times are ahead since more than 90% of the industry runs charter services, which relies on school and family trips.
The biggest jump in sales came from the 45-plus foot bus sales with an increase from 55 in 2020 to 307 sold in the same quarter in 2021.
The biggest drop in sales came in the mid-sized bus (40 to 44 feet) dropping from 67 buses sold in 2020 to only three sold in the first quarter of 2021.
The only sector that saw moderate growth was the 40 to 45 foot vehicle group, which grew from 14 to 16 in Q320.
Also, pre-owned coach sales were down 150 vehicles and new new coach sales were down 294 units, combining for a total 444 less units sold in the second quarter compared to the first quarter of 2020.
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