Editor’s Note – July/August 2025

In case you missed it, the American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) recently shared results of the 2024 Motorcoach Census, highlighting the essential role motorcoach transportation continues to play in North America’s economy and mobility landscape.

According to the new study, the motorcoach industry in the United States and Canada consisted of 1,959 companies operating 48,667 motorcoaches in 2024. U.S.-based operators accounted for 1,829 companies and 47,348 motorcoaches, while Canadian operators comprised 130 companies and 1,319 motorcoaches.

“The census underscores the industry’s broad range of services, with 77.8% of motorcoach companies providing charter services, 30.6% offering packaged tours, and nearly one-quarter (23.6%) providing sightseeing trips,” according to ABAF. “Additionally, motorcoaches were vital to commuter and scheduled intercity services, helping connect rural and urban communities across North America.”

“The 2024 Motorcoach Census shows an industry that is not just resilient but essential,” Lew Myers, Director of Research, Policy, and Impact for the ABAF, said. “Motorcoaches move people safely, efficiently, and sustainably, supporting millions in their travel, tourism, and daily commuting needs. This data affirms our industry’s vital role in America’s transportation ecosystem and its bright future.”

Key findings from the report include:

• The motorcoach industry delivered 40 billion passenger miles in 2024;
• Employment reached 75,859 jobs across the U.S. and Canada, averaging 39 employees per carrier and 1.6 employees per motorcoach;
• Small companies (operating fewer than 25 coaches) made up 87.1% of the industry and were responsible for nearly 42% of total motorcoach mileage;
• Charter trips comprised 66.2% of all motorcoach trips, with most being single-day journeys; and,
• Industry motorcoaches collectively traveled over 1.7 billion miles last year.

“The study also revealed a positive outlook for 2025, with over half of the surveyed companies indicating plans to acquire additional motorcoaches, demonstrating continued investment in fleet growth and modernization,” ABAF added. “The census, conducted by Tourism Economics, offers a detailed snapshot of the motorcoach sector’s size, activity, and service diversity, which is vital to both the travel and commuter markets.

“It further emphasizes the industry’s unmatched fuel efficiency and ability to serve various communities, from major metropolitan areas to rural regions.”

Visit buses.org/aba-foundation/.

I would like to thank everyone for their continual support of Busline Magazine. Please send news items and story ideas to: harrellk@rdgmedia.net. 

Harrell Kerkhoff

Editor, Busline Magazine