MOTORCOACHES ARE TOPS IN FUEL EFFICIENCY PER PASSENGER MILE, NEW STUDY CONFIRMS

May 21, 2007

For Immediate Release
Contact: Eron Shosteck
Phone: 202-218-7220

WASHINGTON, May 21 - Motorcoaches are the most fuel-efficient mode of U.S. transportation when compared to all others by measuring passenger miles per gallon, according to a new study authored by MJ Bradley and Associates and released today by the American Bus Association.

On average the motorcoach industry provides 184.4 passenger miles per gallon of fuel, compared to the single passenger automobile at 27.7, or transit bus at 32.5 passenger miles per gallon. The study also shows that motorcoaches produce carbon emissions of only 56 grams per passenger mile, compared to 371 grams for a single passenger car and 299 grams for a transit bus.

"As energy conservation and environmental issues take center stage in Congress and with the traveling public, the motorcoach industry is proud to be the leader in transportation fuel efficiency and environmental stewardship," American Bus Association President Peter J. Pantuso said. "Motorcoaches are striving to do their part to help the U.S. achieve energy security and reduce carbon dioxide emissions."

The new study, titled "Comparisons of Energy Use and Emissions from Different Transportation Modes," was produced by respected research firm MJ Bradley and Associates. It is the first study to create a comprehensive comparison between the motorcoach industry and other mass transportation modes. Data included was culled from the 2005 Motorcoach Census, the Federal Transit Administration, the Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. A companion study compares transportation modes by criteria emissions, including particulate matter and NOx.

The American Bus Association is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry with more than 1000 motorcoach owner and tour company members in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations and contract services. Another 2,600 members are travel and tourism organizations and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry.