Upcoming Report Underscores the Sustainability Advantage of Motorcoach Travel
ABA Foundation Set to Release New Research in Early May
The American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) will release a new study in early May that provides fresh insight into the environmental and economic value of motorcoach travel. The study builds on its previous work comparing emissions across transportation modes.
The Motorcoach Sustainability Study, developed in partnership with Oxford Economics, enhances the findings of the Foundation’s 2023 report, Updated Comparison of Energy Use and Emissions from Different Transportation Modes. Earlier research confirmed that motorcoaches outperform all other passenger transport modes in terms of energy efficiency and pollution reduction.
This new study goes further by translating environmental performance into economic terms. By applying the EPA’s social cost of carbon (SCC) framework, the report estimates the financial value of avoided carbon emissions—demonstrating how motorcoach travel benefits public health, reduces environmental damage, and saves society money.
To complement the data, ABAF surveyed and interviewed North American motorcoach operators and manufacturers to evaluate sustainability efforts currently in place. Key takeaways include:
- Operators are adopting eco-friendly practices, promoting group travel, and helping ease congestion in high-traffic areas.
- Manufacturers are advancing responsible production, waste management, and sustainable sourcing throughout the supply chain.
- Challenges include infrastructure development, regulatory complexity, innovation costs, and staff training.
This report, set for release in early May 2025, strongly advocates motorcoach travel as a climate-friendly and economically sound transportation solution.
