Let's crunch the numbers. A recent study by Nathan Associates, a research firm based in Arlington, Virginia, found that a motorcoach or bus charter is the most fuel-efficient mode of transportation in the U.S. The study shows that motorcoaches offer 148.4 passenger miles per gallon of fuel. Other modes of transportation do not compete. The same study shows that passenger miles per gallon of intercity trains is 74.1, air carriers achieve a figure of 40.9 and the passenger automobile is 35.4.
Moreover, the number one people mover is motorcoach or bus charter transportation. For example, a 2000 study by R.L. Banks & Associates showed that motorcoaches carried 863,000,000 passengers in the United States and Canada in 1999. In the United States alone it has been reported that about 774,000,000 were carried by motorcoaches. It has been reported that motorcoaches or bus charters carry one-fourth more passengers than the airlines and two times more than Amtrak and commuter rail lines combined.
And the motorcoach or bus charter industry has steadily improved on its fuel economy through the years. In 2004, consumption of fuel per passenger mile was 5.3 percent lower than the average from 1992 through 2004. And, although the air carriers industry witnessed the best reduction of fuel consumption per passenger mile (6.6 percent), it still consumed three times more fuel per passenger mile as the motorcoach or bus charter industry in 2004.
In addition, bus charter transportation is more efficient as far as energy intensity is concerned. For example, in 2004 the motorcoach industry consumed 938 BTUs per passenger mile. Air carriers had a figure of 3,341; passenger cars were measured at 3,527; and intercity passenger trains achieved 2,134 BTUs per passenger mile.
It has also been discovered that driving habits can account for a fuel savings of as much as 30 percent. And bus charter companies diligently train their drivers and no doubt teach them the best driving habits that not only assure safety but also helps to conserve on fuel.
In addition, technologies are constantly improving things. For example, there is more use of six speed automatic transmissions with a second overdrive that helps with fuel efficiency.
More Green Facts to Consider
Motorcoaches used on charter bus trips for many companies include GPS technology which helps to control unnecessary idling and the company can also monitor the speed and braking patterns of the driver. This helps conserve on tire wear and fuel economy.
It is also said that a motorcoach can replace as many as 55 vehicles from the highway; produce less carbon emissions than a passenger car and helps to reduce carbon dioxide because it replaces so many vehicles from being on the road.
Here are more green facts concerning bus charters or motorcoaches:
? Since 2006 motorcoaches use ultra low sulphur diesel fuel which nearly eliminates sulphur emissions. ? As more coaches with new engines introduced in 2007 that burn the low sulphur diesel fuel appear, 90 percent of black smoke will be eliminated. ? A study done by Transport Canada indicated that motorcoaches emit less greenhouse gases than trains, airplanes and automobiles. ? More and more motorcoaches are using biodiesel. ? Motorcoaches reduce congestion and pollution by taking more than 425 million cars off the road each year. ? A study by the American Bus Association shows that motorcoaches have a fuel efficiency of 32.5 miles per gallon. Passenger cars average 27.7 mpg. ? If a motorcoach is used to travel the average 12,500 miles a year the average automobile travels, then carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 4.3 tons per car per year. ? Carbon dioxide emissions are reduced an average 85 percent per passenger mile for every person who chooses to travel by motorcoach instead of driving alone. ? Diesel motorcoaches used today are more than 98 percent cleaner as far as emissions are concerned than the diesels used in the 1980s.
The Future
And the motorcoach industry is not resting on its laurels. Green advancements as they concern bus charter travel continues. For example, in 2010 motorcoaches will be even more fuel efficient in order to comply with new Environmental Protection Agency standards. The industry is already working on design components and emission hardware meant to reduce emissions even more. For example, an engine scheduled for release in 2010 will eliminate most nitrous oxides.
So the next time you are thinking about a long trip with a lot of people think about taking it in a bus.
You know what they say: All work and no play can definitely make anyone dull. And a bus charter gives you all the reasons to go out and play in the sun. Indeed, a bus charter can basically take you at any point all over the United Kingdom, whether you want to enjoy the hot springs of Bath, or simply be amased and bewildered by the Stonehenge.
Why Picking a Bus Charter Is Highly Ideal
If you're in doubt while a bus charter makes an excellent ride, here are 6 of the best reasons:
1. The bus is the safest mode of transportation. According to research, there are more people who get killed while riding their own automobile than when they're on board a bus. After all, transportations used in a bus rental are a lot stronger and much bigger. Drivers don't have an option to go full speed until he couldn't control his brake. If you're thinking of protection for your families and friends, then a bus charter is the most perfect pick.
2. You can save on gas when you are going to ride a bus. Despite its gigantic size, a bus surprisingly uses a small amount of gas. Thus, it becomes fuel-efficient. This is, as a matter of fact, more efficient than any other kind of transportation, including automobiles.
3. It's available anytime. Whether you're planning to travel at unholy hours or early in the morning or late at night, you can guarantee that a bus charter will be on its way. What's more, bus rental companies may have traveling partners located in other parts of the world, which can also provide you with the same kind of service should you plan to go there.
4. A bus delivers you where you exactly want to go. An airplane can get you to the airport, whilst the train will eventually have to drop you off at the train station. The bus, meanwhile, can take you wherever you want to go'no excuses and no questions asked. You don't only get to save your energy, but you can safely arrive to and from your points of destinations.
5. Bus rentals are cheap. With the rising costs of fuel, airplane and boat rides have become a lot more expensive. It's the same thing if you're going to travel by car alone. With bus rentals, you only have to pay for the services, the fee normally covering the cost of the fuel used as well as the salary of the driver.
6. It's less hassle for you. All you need to do is to call a bus charter company, and they'll be the one to arrange the rest for you. This way, you can spend your remaining time and money for other important things, such as for accommodation and food.
When it comes to bus charter options, IMG Coach is the most appropriate choice. It has already a wide range of experience, providing buses to various companies, both big and small, all over the United Kingdom. Its bus charter services can guarantee you a safe, peaceful, hassle-free, and cost-effective mode of transporting the entire team to your favorite destination.
Robert Janis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Travel and Leisure and Motorola Cell Phone. Robert Janis from IMG Coach specialises in writing articles relating to the automotive industry and in the US.. Robert Janis's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.