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Motorcoaches: Tops in Passengers Survey Shows It's Most Relied Upon Passenger Carrier

21 July 2000

Motorcoaches: Tops in Passengers Survey Shows Motorcoaches Carry More Passengers Than Air or Rail First Comprehensive Review of Industry in Two Decades

    WASHINGTON - A just-unveiled survey reveals the motorcoach industry is 
America's most relied upon passenger carrier.  The American Bus Association's 
MOTORCOACH CENSUS 2000, the first full-scale profile of the industry in almost 
two decades, shows more than 860 million passengers board motorcoaches every 
year, far outpacing commercial airlines and intercity/commuter rail.

    "When it comes to carrying America's travelers, motorcoaches are way ahead
of the pack," remarked Peter Pantuso, president and CEO of the American Bus
Association.  "Until now, the motorcoach's central role in connecting
America's communities has gone unreported and thus unrecognized.  This report
shows that more Americans depend on motorcoaches than on any other mode of
commercial passenger travel."

    The survey reveals the industry carries more than 860 million passengers
in the U.S. and Canada.  In the U.S. alone, motorcoaches carry 774 million
passengers, easily surpassing the airline industry and intercity/commuter
rail, which carry 568 million and 377 million respectively.

    In addition, the motorcoach industry serves its customers more safely and
efficiently and travels to far more destinations than any other commercial
travel mode (see fact sheet).

    The report shows that 90 percent of motorcoach companies are small
businesses, operating fewer than 25 coaches.

    "The motorcoach industry is also a story about American opportunity.  We
think it's worth noting that a vast network of mostly mom-and-pop small
businesses actually serves  more customers than the airline monoliths."

    Since 1982, when the motorcoach industry was deregulated, no comprehensive
review of the industry has been performed.  MOTORCOACH CENSUS 2000 provides
much-needed benchmark on the enormity and characteristics of the motorcoach
industry.  The American Bus Association intends to follow this report up with
future surveys, establishing a trendline on the growth of the industry.

    MOTORCOACH CENSUS 2000 was prepared by R.L. Banks and Associates, a
respected survey firm based in Washington, DC.  Banks gathered 1999 survey
information from more than 1,000 bus companies and recent profiles from
another 1,030 for  MOTORCOACH CENSUS 2000.

    The American Bus Association is the trade association of the intercity bus
industry and represents its interests in Washington, DC.  The Association
comprises more than 3,000 organizations, including 800 motorcoach and tour
companies.  It was founded in 1926 as a division of the American Automobile
Association, evolved through several name changes and became the ABA in 1977.