Global Buses

7th Edition

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This comprehensive study analyzes global supply of and demand for buses. The products covered by this report are:

• motor coaches
• transit buses
• school buses (Type A, B, C, and D models)
• all other buses, which tend to be smaller vehicles, often based on medium-duty truck chassis, used in special applications such as airport, hospital, hotel, and senior citizen transport, and as support vehicles for schools

This study excludes most buses derived from light vehicles and minibuses designed to carry eight or fewer passengers, as well as separately sold chassis. Demand figures also exclude sales of used buses.

Historical data for 2008, 2013, and 2018, and forecasts for 2023 and 2028 are provided for demand by product type, total production, and net exports in units. Also provided is the total number of buses in use (the “bus parc” or “stock”) and, at the world level, total bus demand in millions of current US dollars, including inflation.

Published trade figures are volatile and do not line up with trends in demand and production because of the inclusion of used buses, separately sold chassis, and products outside of the scope of what is traditionally considered a bus (e.g., microbuses, vans). Hence, the net export numbers presented in this study were developed using information from national governments, industry trade groups, motor vehicle associations, and a variety of other organizations.

Motor coaches

Used to transport passengers between cities or regions and tend to be uniquely designed with comfortable seats and large luggage storage space at wheel level.

Transit buses

Buses designed to efficiently move passengers within metropolitan areas. These buses are also used in other applications.

School buses (Type A, B, C, and D models)

They are specially designed to safely transport students to and from educational facilities and are also known as “conventional” school buses.

As defined in this report, a school bus must comply with most if not all of the safety standards set up by the NHTSA in the US, including:

• identification with the words “school bus” in large letters between warning signal lights on the front and rear of the bus
• the outside of the bus being painted a standard glossy yellow
• the presence of bumpers painted a glossy black
• safety equipment that includes a charged fire extinguisher mounted near the driver’s seat, a stop signal alarm, and a system of mirrors that provides the driver with adequate sightlines around the bus.

Other types of buses (such as motor coaches and a variety of small models) used to transport students that are not considered to be school buses.