[Research] Intercity Bus Services Q4 2021 | American Bus Association

Intercity Bus Services Research by DePaul University

The Q4 2021 Intercity Bus Services research by DePaul University examines the sector’s economic performance and trends shaping its future.

The Intercity Bus Bounceback: The 4th Quarter of 2021 Brings Optimism to a Struggling Sector

Executive Summary

  • About the Report: This report analyzes key geographic and nationwide trends for the intercity bus industry in the United States during the fourth quarter of 2021.
  • Key Highlights:
    • Intercity bus lines experienced steady traffic growth from August to late November as a result of growing interest in resuming travel, higher gasoline prices and airfares, and enhanced schedule offerings. Privately operated bus lines rolled out various new services that were unavailable during the pandemic. COVID-19’s Omicron variant has chilled demand, but its effect, though severe, is expected to be temporary, and the autumn traffic buildup points to a strong post-pandemic recovery.
    • FlixMobility’s purchase of Greyhound on October 21, 2021, is generating optimism for renewed investment to enhance and modernize the legacy carrier’s network. The deal excludes Greyhound’s sizeable real-estate holdings, which indicates that one of FlixMobility’s primary motives for the acquisition is to deepen its roots in the North American intercity bus market.
    • In the 4th quarter, bus lines rolled out a variety of new first-and business-class service that provide alternatives to poor airport experience and costly and crowded flights. In addition, nearly all premium services that were available prior to the pandemic have returned.

Citation

Methodology

  • The information in this report was compiled using public data sources and an analysis of industry news.

Download the Full Report (PDF)

Additional Resources

The American Bus Association serves a thriving industry that provides nearly 600 million passenger trips annually on charters, tours, scheduled service, and shuttles. Membership in ABA includes motorcoach operators, tour operators, tourism-related organizations, and products and service suppliers.

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