Research
The American Bus Association Foundation is continually exploring new ways to garner research and information about the motorcoach industry.
The Impact of Student Motorcoach Tourism in 2012
The Impact of Student Motorcoach Tourism estimates the size and scope of the student motorcoach tourism industry in 2012. Student tourism in the United States represents 30.1 percent of motorcoach tourism encompassing 89.4 million passenger trips. The economic impact analysis shows that, in the United States, student motorcoach tourism supports 302,300 jobs paying $11.9 billion in wages and produces an economic output of $31.3 billion.
Motorcoach Industry Census, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011
Motorcoach Census 2010 is the fourth in a series of industry census that identify passenger traffic, vehicle count, mileage and other key data in the U.S. and Canada.
National, State and Congressional Economic Impact Studies for the United States
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.
In addition to the national impact study linked above local Convention and Visitors Bureaus have worked to create independent data about specific regions. Please view some of the regional studies for Cleveland, Pigeon Forge and the Northeast.
Keeping Rural Communities Connected: Comparison of EAS Program To Coach Bus Service
This study compares the costs and environmental effects of supporting rural mobility using scheduled inter-city coach bus service to current costs to maintain air links under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The study includes 38 EAS communities in the lower 48 states that are within 150 miles of a medium or large hub airport. For the current EAS program, total costs include government subsidies and passenger fares. For the coach bus alternative, total costs include bus operating costs, and the value of passenger time for alternative bus trips that take longer than current EAS-subsidized flights.
Federal Subsidies for Passenger Transportation, 1960-2009
A new study released by The American Bus Association Foundation, Federal Subsidies for Passenger Transportation, 1960-2009, has found that the private commercial bus industry is the most cost effective mode of public transportation in the United States. The motorcoach industry takes travelers on an average of 745 million passenger trips a year and does so with practically no federal subsidy. As legislators contemplate the future of our national transportation network the motorcoach industry should serve as an example of how private sector companies can provide cost effective transportation solutions today and for the future.
Comparisons of Energy Use and Emissions: 2008 and 2007
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.
University Research Program
As part of our ongoing university-focused research program, the ABA Foundation disseminates research grants to students for study related to the travel, tour and motorcoach industries.
Baby Boomers and Future Seniors: How To Get Them On Motorcoaches?
This 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.
Terms of Use for ABA Sponsored Research Material
Please review our Terms of Use document before publishing or using any of the information contained on this web page.
Terms of Use
