Public Bus Services Market Report 2025

The public bus services market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $260.41 billion in 2024 to $281.75 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to urbanization and population growth, government investments in public transportation, environmental concerns and sustainability, traffic congestion and commuting challenges, affordability and cost-effective transportation.

The public bus services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $374.14 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to continued urbanization and megacity trends, government commitment to sustainable mobility, focus on emission reduction and air quality improvement, integration with multi-modal transportation, smart city initiatives. Major trends in the forecast period include hybrid bus models, data analytics for optimization, partnerships with private sector, COVID-19 pandemic adaptations, innovations in payment systems.

Government efforts to promote public transportation are fueling the growth of the public bus services market. The emphasis on public transport is driven by a shared goal of reducing environmental impact and enhancing transportation safety. The mutual benefits for both the government and the public arise from the increased utilization of public transportation, which not only offers an affordable and secure mode of transport for consumers but also generates revenue for the government. For instance, in March 2022, the UK government allocated £150 million ($184.8 million) to support local transport services in England. This funding aimed to assist bus and light rail operators, ensuring the continuity of travel services as the country emerged from the pandemic. Thus, government initiatives play a pivotal role in supporting the public bus services market.

The escalating issue of traffic congestion is anticipated to drive the expansion of the public bus services market. Traffic congestion occurs when a high volume of vehicles on roads results in a significant decrease in traffic speed and increased queuing. Public bus services act as an effective and shared transportation alternative, diminishing the number of individual vehicles on the road and alleviating traffic congestion. In 2022, a report by the US-based software company INRIX highlighted a substantial increase in the time lost to traffic congestion for the average U.S. driver, with a total of 51 hours lost throughout the year. This represented approximately one hour lost each week, signifying a significant surge from the 31 hours lost in the previous year. Hence, the surge in traffic congestion is a driving force behind the growth of the public bus services market.

Prominent companies in the public bus services market are concentrating on innovating bus services tailored for specific destinations, such as ski resorts, to mitigate congestion and enhance accessibility. Ski destinations, characterized by snowy landscapes and winter sports facilities, experience increased traffic, and the introduction of specialized bus services aids in addressing congestion issues. For instance, in November 2023, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) in the United States launched a ski bus service for the 2023/24 season to alleviate congestion leading to Utah's ski destinations. Operating at a 30-minute frequency, the service aims to improve accessibility, especially on peak skiing days. Despite facing operator shortages, UTA has made significant progress in recruitment and retention efforts.

Major players in the public bus services market are actively involved in the development of electric bus models to meet evolving market demands. Electric buses, powered by electricity rather than traditional internal combustion engines, represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation option. For example, in February 2023, Mellor, a UK-based provider of specialist passenger transport solutions, unveiled its new electric bus, the Sigma 8, at EuroBus Expo, expanding its Sigma range. Accommodating 54 passengers with 27 seats and standing room, the eight-meter battery-electric bus addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly transport solutions. Mellor has secured over 100 Sigma orders in the UK and Europe, with confirmed orders from London Hire and an undisclosed regional operator.

In October 2022, Transdev, a France-based private-sector public transport operator, completed the acquisition of First Transit Inc. for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move enables Transdev to enhance its presence in the United States and Canada, providing additional services with specialized knowledge. First Transit Inc., a US-based transportation company, possesses comprehensive expertise in both public and private transportation systems, including public bus services.

Major companies operating in the public bus services market include BC Transit Corporation, Transport International Holdings Limited, The Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company, Transdev Group, The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), Chicago Transit Authority, MTR Corporation Limited, Transport for London, Eurobusways Ltd., PostBus Switzerland Ltd., Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co. Ltd., AB Volvo Ltd., Scania AB, Tata Motors Limited, SML Isuzu Limited, Hino Motors Ltd., MAN Truck & Bus SE, Marcopolo S.A., OurBus Inc., Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited, FirstGroup plc, National Express Group plc, Stagecoach Group plc, Nobina AB, Arriva plc, Durham School Services L.P., Keolis Transit America Inc., Kowloon Motor Bus Company Limited, MV Transportation Inc., Petermann LLC, Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens Co., SBS Transit Ltd., SMRT Corporation Ltd., Stock Transportation Ltd., Student Transportation of America Inc., The Go-Ahead Group plc, Tower Transit Group Limited.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the public bus services market in 2024. The regions covered in the public bus services market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the public bus services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Public bus services consist of a fleet of vehicles, such as buses, that adhere to fixed routes and operate on regular schedules for public use. These services are typically managed and operated by authorities, often the government, in exchange for a fare.

The primary classifications within public bus services encompass light, medium, and large types. The construction of bus bodies involves both fully assembled and customizable options. A light-type vehicle, such as a scooter, motorbike, or rickshaw, is designed to transport small loads or a limited number of passengers within a legally defined weight limit. The medium type includes goods carriages that fall between light motor vehicles and heavy goods vehicles in terms of size and capacity. These buses can run on various fuel types, such as diesel, electric, hybrid, and others. They serve a range of applications, including urban transport, long-distance travel, and specialized services. The operators, generally government entities, charge fees for these services.

The public bus services market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides public bus services market statistics, including public bus services industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a public bus services market share, detailed public bus services market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the public bus services industry. This public bus services market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The public bus services market includes revenues earned by entities by providing conventional bus, intercity bus, and rapid transit (BRT) bus services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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