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Industry Forecasts

The Outlook For The Motorcoach Industry In 2010

ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso provides an overview on the outlook for the motorcoach business in 2010. He assesses its current performance, examines evolving trends, and provides a glimpse into what's in store for 2010. His conclusion: a confluence of events, from environmental awareness to consumer demand for convenient transportation alternatives, provide ample reasons for guarded optimism, even in the wake of an uncertain pace for North American economic recovery.

Economic Facts & Figures

Motorcoach Fact Card

ABA's Motorcoach Fact Card offers a quick snapshot of the vital statistics on the motorcoach industry. It includes facts on the industry's environmental stewardship, role in American mobility, strong safety record and economic benefits to countless communities -- all with virtually no taxpayer subsidy.

Impact of Motorcoaches on Society and Economy

Motorcoaches bind the nation together, help complete the transportation network, and fill in gaps between modes to offer mobility coast-to-coast. This study shows not only the impact the motorcoach industry has on travel, but on tourism to destinations as well. Produced by the ABA Foundation in collaboration with well-known economic research firm Nathan Associates, this study illustrates how motorcoach travel infuses communities with tourism dollars.

Destination-Specific Economic Impact Studies

These reports measure the economic impact of motorcoach tours on Washington; New York City; Lancaster, PA; Chicago; Cleveland and Pigeon Forge, TN. Data collected include bus tour frequency, duration, type of accommodations, local attractions, tour size, and average price of package. Each builds on previous ABA research conducted in conjunction with George Washington University, and uses that data to analyze and amplify the motorcoach impact on specific cities and regions. Each was produced for ABA by research expert John Dunham of Guerrilla Economics.

Motorcoach Industry Census

The Motorcoach Census looks at passenger traffic, vehicle count, mileage, demographics and other key data in the U.S. and Canada.

The Nation's Public Transportation Network: Connecting People and Communities

This pocket-sized, eight-panel fact card, produced by ABA in conjunction with the American Public Transportation Association and The Community Transportation Association of America, focuses on areas of common ground among the three groups, including opportunities for public-private partnerships and intermodal connectivity.

Environmental Stewardship Studies

Save A Penguin: Take A Motorcoach

Newly updated for 2010, ABA’s “Penguin Packet” includes fresh data from independent academic and scientific sources showing that when you go motorcoach, you go green. Motorcoaches are part of America's energy solution -- removing cars from the road, mitigating congestion, saving fuel, cutting emissions, and maybe even saving penguins from melting icecaps! Sources include new studies from DePaul University and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Comparisons of Energy Use and Emissions 2008

This comprehensive study, produced by respected research firm MJ Bradley and Associates, is the benchmark report comparing the motorcoach industry and other mass transportation modes. Data included was culled from the 2007 Motorcoach Census, the Federal Transit Administration, the Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Commercial Bus Emissions Characterization & Idle Reduction

This 2006 report provides quantifiable data showing the environmental and congestion-mitigating benefits of motorcoach transportation, and includes recommendations on emissions reductions to improve air quality.

Safety Studies

Today's Motorcoaches: Sound Science. Safe Passengers.

Motorcoaches are the safest form of surface transportation. But the industry is always working to make the safest even safer. This 2008 document looks at motorcoach safety from a holistic perspective, showing how safety is the function of science-driven occupant protection technologies, innovative engineering, and a systems approach that includes integrated vehicle design, rigorous maintenance, comprehensive driver training and industry best practices. It also covers the many voluntarily installed safety devices installed by manufacturers, crash avoidance and crash protection technologies, and the need for science-driven data to guide potential enhancements.

 

Motorcoach Brake Systems and Safety Technologies

This 2007 study offers an introduction to hydraulic engine retarders, anti-lock brake systems (ABS), and other electronically controlled safety devices, authored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
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