Research

The American Bus Association is continually exploring new ways to garner research and information about the motorcoach industry.

The ABA Foundation in conjunction with our research partner John Dunham and Associates has spent several years quantifying the economic impact of the motorcoach travel and tour industry. Over the years we have developed several national models but this study is the first major effort to show the state by state and congressional district economic impact of group travel. The web page linked above will enable you to download talking points and a data summary for ever state and congressional district in the United States. We hope that providing these tools the industry can better educate legislators and policy makers at all levels as to the benefits of group travel.

Comparisons of Energy Use and Emissions 2008 [2] and 2007 [3]
Comparisons of Energy Use and Emissions from Different Transportation Modes, was produced by respected research firm MJ Bradley and Associates. This study creates a comprehensive comparison between the motorcoach industry and other mass transportation modes. Data included was culled from the 2008 Motorcoach Census, the Federal Transit Administration, the Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Motorcoach Industry Census 2005 [4], 2006 [5], and 2008 [6]
Motorcoach Census 2008 is the third in a series of industry census that identify passenger traffic, vehicle count, mileage, demographics and other key data in the U.S. and Canada. 

University Based Research Program
As part of our ongoing university focused research program the ABA Foundation disseminates research grants to students for work related to the travel, tour and motorcoach industries.

Baby Boomers and Future Seniors: How To Get Them On Motorcoaches? [7]
This new study focuses on marketing motorcoach travel and tourism to baby boomers. It was co-authored by James F. Petrick, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University; and Kam Hung, Ph.D. Student (Corresponding author), Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University.

These research papers are designed to broaden discussion on industry issues. Independent researchers conduct these projects and the views contained within these documents are not necessarily those of the American Bus Association or the ABA Foundation. For more information about official ABA positions on issues of the day, View ABA policy papers [8]. If you would like a copy of the paper please contact the Foundation Manager at dhoff@buses.org [9].