New Report Highlights Motorcoach Travel as the Most Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Transportation Option
As we approach peak travel season, the American Bus Association (ABA), the leading voice in North America’s motorcoach, charter bus, group travel and tourism industries, released its Motorcoach 2025 Sustainability and Innovation Report, confirming motorcoach travel as the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible mode of passenger transportation in North America. Commissioned by the American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF), in partnership with Oxford Economics, the report provides a comprehensive look at environmental benefits of motorcoach travel and the sustainability efforts of motorcoach operators and manufacturers.
“This report recognizes what our industry has long known: motorcoaches are the most energy-efficient, lowest-emission mode of passenger transportation available today,” said Fred Ferguson, President & CEO, American Bus Association. “In 2023 alone, motorcoach travel helped the U.S. avoid an estimated $2.7 billion in social costs tied to emissions. These outcomes aren’t just statistics – they’re the result of decades of innovation, from clean idle engine technology to sustainable manufacturing practices. The motorcoach industry is proving every day that clean, connected travel is not only possible – it’s already here.”
“The motorcoach industry has been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability practices that create a world-class environment for safe, reliable, climate-reducing transportation that is affordable while generating positive economic impact nationwide,” said Lew Myers, Director of Policy, Research & Impact at the ABAF.
“This report shows that by adopting cleaner fuels, improving fleet efficiency, cutting emissions, and investing in green infrastructure, the motorcoach industry has sharply reduced its carbon footprint. As regulations tighten and climate awareness grows, sustainability has become a strategic imperative for future growth and resilience.”
Sustainability and Innovation: Key Findings
- Most Energy-Efficient Mode of Transportation
Motorcoaches outperform all other forms of travel – air, rail, ferry, transit bus, and personal vehicles—in energy consumption per passenger-mile.
- Least CO₂ Per Passenger-Mile
Motorcoaches emit less carbon dioxide per passenger-mile than any other mode, making them the top choice for travelers and policymakers focused on reducing transportation emissions.
- Transit Buses Emit 10x More CO₂
While transit buses serve a critical role in local communities, they emit more than ten times the amount of CO₂ per passenger-mile compared to motorcoaches.
- Low Social Cost of CO₂ Emissions
By applying the EPA’s valuation, Motorcoaches have the lowest social cost of carbon resulting in savings of $2.7 billion in avoided environmental and health damages in 2023 alone as a result of their superior emissions performance.
- Annual Savings from Motorcoach Travel
Nearly 38 billion passenger miles were traveled by motorcoach in 2023 (ABA Motorcoach Census). If those same miles had been traveled by personal cars, the nation would have incurred an estimated $2.7 billion in environmental, health, and economic losses, underscoring the significant social and environmental savings generated by motorcoach travel.
- Best Environmental Performance Across All Pollutants
Beyond carbon emissions, motorcoach travel ranks as one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable modes of transportation.
- Clean Idle Technology Sets the Standard for Emissions Compliance
Modern motorcoaches are equipped with advanced Clean Idle technology resulting in a reduction of idle NOx emissions by nearly 50% below the regulatory limit of 30 g/hr.
Role of Manufacturers
Motorcoach manufacturers are investing in new innovation and technologies that reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance fuel efficiency, implementing responsible production methods and incorporating eco-friendly materials and intelligent design.
Key Data Points: Motorcoach Manufacturer Sustainability Practices
- 62% include recycling in their strategic plans
- 54% set carbon emissions targets and have initiatives for energy conservation, waste and water management
- 54% engage in responsible sourcing, data collection, KPI tracking, and ESG management
- 39% have weight reduction targets and conduct life cycle assessments
- 31% incorporate renewable energy sources into operations
Role of Operators
Motorcoach operators play a vital role in shaping the sustainability and innovation trajectory of the industry by encouraging group travel as a more environmentally friendly alternative and helping reduce congestion in high-traffic destinations. Operators are increasingly focused on adopting sustainable operating practices, from transitioning to electric or hybrid vehicles and improving maintenance protocols, to extending fleet life and boosting occupancy rates.
Key Data Points: Motorcoach Operator Sustainability Practices
- 65% have established formal sustainability plans
- 71% focus on fleet maintenance and renewal to improve efficiency and reduce emissions
- 64% engage in partnerships and collaborations to advance sustainability
- 54% provide eco-friendly driver training to promote fuel-efficient driving
- 60% have implemented anti-idling policies to cut unnecessary emissions
- 64% incorporate recycling into daily operations
Report Methodology
Commissioned by the American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF), in partnership with Oxford Economics, the Motorcoach Sustainability Study explores the state of sustainability within the motorcoach industry. It looks at progress and challenges from both the manufacturer and operator perspectives. As part of this study, the ABA conducted a survey of North American motorcoach manufacturers and operators to capture and assess current sustainable practices in place within the industry.
About the American Bus Association Foundation
The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF), the philanthropic arm of the American Bus Association, is dedicated to advancing the motorcoach, travel, and tourism industry through research and education. The Foundation’s mission is to support the motorcoach travel and tour industry with research and scholarships that benefit the ABA, policymakers, and the public. The ABA Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in financial support to more than 300 scholars since the program began after the passing of then ABA President and CEO George T. Snyder Jr. in 1995. Our scholarship programs help ABA members and the public earn degrees that support the motorcoach travel and tour industry, as well as promote academic excellence and diversity. For more information about the ABA Foundation and its scholarship program, please visit www.buses.org/aba-foundation.
