Passenger Transportation - Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies - page 110

The motorcoach industry is the most pervasive form of intercity public transportation in the world.
Motorcoaches provide both scheduled and charter service. This motorcoach carried passengers from
Alice Springs, Australia, to Ayers Rock. Photobytheauthor.

Charters and Tours

Both domestic and international travelers are heavy users of motorcoaches because coach travel gives
them time to see and experience sights with a group of friends without having to deal with traf c and
road maps. Sales of tours and charters continue to be popular all over the world. Because of the
popularity of motorcoach tours, tour operators worldwide now conduct trips to myriad destinations
and drive there safely in state-of-the-art-equipped vehicles at an economical price.
According to the American Bus Association, most of the bus companies provide charter service. The
top three activities for bus charters are theater shows, gaming/casinos, and sightseeing. Sightseeing
tours come in all shapes and sizes in the United States and around the world. Motorcoaches offer day
excursions, short breaks, and long tours. Motorcoaches range in size from 19 to 85 seats so that all
types of travel groups can be served to all types of destinations.
Group tours provide stress-free, worry-free travel. The consumer is in the hands of a capable driver
and tour guide following an itinerary that provides lifelong experiences.

Trends

Do you expect to enjoy a full-length feature film on your next motorcoach trip? Or relax in a
comfortable seat? If you think you can do these traveling only on an airline, think again. Leisure
motorcoach travel is a popular way to see North America. The modern trip by motorcoach is nothing
like you remember from your childhood days. Forget your preconceived ideas of crowded, stuffy buses.
Today

s luxury vehicles have WiFi, flat-screen DVDs, iPod 1 hook-ups, reclining seats, and air
conditioning, and are among the safest and cleanest modes of transportation available. Charter
luxury motorcoaches are more luxurious than flying on a commercial airline.

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Motorcoach Organizations

The American Bus Association (ABA) is the national organization of the intercity bus industry and
serves as the prime source of industry statistics. ABA represents approximately 1,000 motorcoach and