Motorcoach Travel Emissions Report

This American Bus Association Foundation (ABAF) commissioned research examines energy use and emissions of motorcoach operations as compared to other popular modes of transportation.

Emissions Report: Motorcoaches Remain Top Green Mode of Transportation

Executive Summary

• About the Report: Released in January 2023, this report evaluates the environmental performance of motorcoach operations by comparing the energy use and amount of pollutants emitted during motorcoach operations to the use and emissions of other transportation modes. Read the full executive summary here.
• Key Highlights:
  • On average, motorcoaches achieved 195.3 passenger mile (pass-mi) per DGE, compared to vanpool’s 97.4 (2nd best) and ferryboat’s 7.4 (2nd worst).
  • In terms of energy use, motorcoaches consumed an average of 710 Btu per pass-mi, compared to vanpool’s 1,425 and ferryboat’s 18,794.
  • When considering the model year (MY) 2021 vehicles only, motorcoaches have the lowest PM emission rates among all on-road transportation modes, 5.9 grams of PM10 per 1,000 pass-mi compared to vanpools 7.6, as well as 0.8 grams of PM2.5 per 1,000 pass-mi compared to vanpools 1.3.

Citation

• How to Cite This Report: American Bus Association. (2023). Updated Comparison of Energy Use and Emissions from Different Transportation Modes Using the Latest Available Datasets. Retrieved from https://www.buses.org/aba-foundation-research-summary/motorcoach-emissions-research-environmental-impact.
• Report Author: Texas A&M Transportation Institute.
• Sponsored by: American Bus Association Foundation.
• Contact information: For inquiries, email research@buses.org or call (202) 218-7227.

Methodology

• This research uses the latest available research and emission rate data to compare the environmental impact of motorcoaches to other transportation options.