Introduction

The Bus Census is a study commissioned by the American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) to measure the size and activity of the motorcoach transportation service industry in the United States and Canada in 2025. This information is a vital resource for both market analysis and public policy advocacy. All respondents will receive access to the results of the research. All responses will remain confidential and only be reported in aggregate.

Definition

For this study, a bus, a motorcoach, or over-the-road bus (OTRB), is defined as a vehicle designed for long-distance transportation of passengers, characterized by integral construction with an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment. It is at least 30 feet in length. This definition closely matches the definition of an OTRB written into U.S. law, namely “a bus characterized by an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment” (49-CFR-47.3). This definition of a motorcoach excludes the typical city transit bus and city sightseeing buses, such as double-decker buses and trolleys.

Definition of the Industry

For this research, the industry is defined as:

• Private-sector organizations that lease/own and operate over-the-road buses and offer motorcoach transportation services to the public, including to private and public sector organizations on a contract basis.
  • Includes motorcoach transportation companies that are hired on a contract basis by state or city transit authorities to transport commuters.
  • Excludes governments, transit agencies or other public-sector organizations that lease/own and operate motorcoaches and offer transportation services to the public.
  • Excludes private- and public-sector organizations that lease/own and operate motorcoaches for their own use, such as businesses that operate motorcoaches to shuttle their employees.

Thank you for your participation in this important research. Please share any questions or feedback with ofahmy@oxfordeconomics.com. Aggregated and finalized research will be released through the ABA in the spring of 2026.