Penguins Urge Americans To Take Buses

April 7, 2008

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

WASHINGTON - Several species of penguins whose habitats are endangered by climate change today urged Americans to go green for Earth Day 2008 by taking motorcoaches, the most environmental way to travel because of buses' drastically lower carbon dioxide emissions compared with airlines, trains, and automobiles, according to several studies.

With the help of an educational eight-page booklet produced on their behalf by the American Bus Association, the penguins sent a powerful message to policy-makers titled "Save A Penguin. Take A Motorcoach." The penguins urged media to download and read the brochure [1].

"By supporting motorcoach transportation, which gets 184 passenger miles per gallon and is the most fuel efficient way to travel, you might just help save an ice cap or two," said ABA President & CEO Peter J. Pantuso. "As gas prices climb toward $4 per gallon, and Americans become more ecologically conscious, we have a perfect opportunity to raise awareness among policy-makers and the public about the importance of taking buses to help save the planet and preserve penguins."

Motorcoaches provide congestion mitigation benefits in that each full motorcoach takes up to 55 single-occupant cars off the road at one time.

Motorcoaches also play a crucial role in reducing energy use and in helping America cut its dependence on foreign sources of fuel, without sacrificing amenities such as upholstered seats, personal climate controls, entertainment systems and restrooms.

"Park your car for a penguin," Pantuso concluded. "If they could talk, penguins would say, 'Think of us and take the bus. Motorcoaches are nice and help save our ice."

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.