GITNUXREPORT 2025

Bus Industry Statistics

Global bus market exceeds $72 billion, electric, hybrid, and smart innovations drive growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The bus industry is responsible for nearly 2% of global carbon emissions from transportation

Statistic 2

Electric buses have been shown to reduce emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional diesel buses

Statistic 3

The introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses has reduced urban air pollution in some cities by up to 30%

Statistic 4

The electrification of bus fleets is expected to create over 1 million new jobs worldwide by 2030

Statistic 5

Europe is pushing for a 100% transition to zero-emission buses by 2030

Statistic 6

The use of alternative fuels in buses, such as biodiesel and ethanol, is increasing by about 12% annually worldwide

Statistic 7

The share of hybrid buses in global markets increased from 5% in 2017 to 18% in 2022, indicating a shift towards cleaner energy options

Statistic 8

Bus industry innovation efforts are increasingly focused on integrating renewable energy sources, with about 25% of new deployments featuring solar or wind power elements

Statistic 9

In 2023, the bus industry’s investment in R&D reached an estimated $1.2 billion globally, focusing on sustainability and automation

Statistic 10

The bus industry’s carbon footprint reduction potential via electrification is estimated to be around 37% globally by 2030

Statistic 11

In 2021, the use of bus electrification subsidies and incentives increased by 45% globally, encouraging fleet upgrades

Statistic 12

The deployment of green bus depots with renewable energy sources has increased by 40% globally since 2019, supporting sustainable operations

Statistic 13

The majority of new bus purchases are now increasingly focused on low-emission models, with 65% of new buses in 2022 being either electric or hybrid

Statistic 14

The shift towards electric and hybrid buses is expected to reduce operating costs by up to 25% over 10 years, considering fuel and maintenance savings

Statistic 15

Several countries have announced plans for complete bus fleet electrification by 2040, including the UK, Germany, and India, driven by climate commitments

Statistic 16

The U.S. bus manufacturing industry generated about $12 billion in revenue in 2022

Statistic 17

India’s bus industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 18

The global bus manufacturing output was estimated at 294,000 units in 2021

Statistic 19

The largest manufacturer of buses in the world is BYD Auto, with a market share of about 7% in 2022

Statistic 20

The number of women in the bus industry workforce globally is approximately 20%, indicating a need for increased gender diversity

Statistic 21

The number of bus operators worldwide has steadily increased from around 1.5 million in 2010 to over 2.3 million in 2022, reflecting industry growth

Statistic 22

Urban bus fare revenue in Europe totaled approximately €38 billion in 2022, supporting extensive transit networks

Statistic 23

The industry has seen a trend of increasing smart bus stops equipped with digital screens, lighting, and security cameras, with a 50% increase since 2017

Statistic 24

The global bus market was valued at approximately $72 billion in 2020

Statistic 25

Electric buses accounted for 10% of all new bus sales globally in 2022

Statistic 26

The global demand for electric buses is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% between 2023-2030

Statistic 27

The U.S. federal government invested over $8 billion in public transit infrastructure in 2021, many of which go to bus systems

Statistic 28

In 2021, Asia accounted for more than 50% of the global electric bus sales

Statistic 29

In 2022, the global bus fleet exceeded 4.5 million units, including city buses, coaches, and minibuses

Statistic 30

The global market for bus components and parts is expected to reach $20 billion by 2025, driven by maintenance and modernization needs

Statistic 31

The total funding allocated for electric bus projects in North America was over $3 billion in 2022, underpinning extensive fleet electrification

Statistic 32

The global demand for bus driver training services has increased by approximately 15% annually since 2018, due to safety and skills enhancements

Statistic 33

The global market for bus telematics systems is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2022 to over $3 billion by 2028, driven by safety and efficiency improvements

Statistic 34

The global industry employs over 15 million people across manufacturing, operations, and support services, highlighting its economic significance

Statistic 35

The total number of minibuses globally is estimated at over 1.2 million, serving rural and suburban communities

Statistic 36

The total investment in bus infrastructure in developing countries reached over $5 billion in 2022, supporting transit modernization efforts

Statistic 37

Approximately 40% of public transit trips in the U.S. are made via bus

Statistic 38

The number of buses in operation in Europe was approximately 862,000 in 2021

Statistic 39

China has the largest fleet of buses with over 600,000 units in urban service as of 2022

Statistic 40

In 2022, public transport buses accounted for approximately 34% of urban bus trips in the European Union

Statistic 41

New York City Transit operates over 5,700 buses, making it one of the largest municipal bus fleets in the world

Statistic 42

Railway-based transit systems carry more passengers annually (around 90 billion) compared to buses, but buses cover more distance daily

Statistic 43

In metropolitan areas, bus routes contribute to reducing congestion and pollution by decreasing car usage

Statistic 44

The adoption of smart ticketing systems in buses has increased passenger convenience by 35% over the last five years

Statistic 45

The bus industry in Latin America transported over 9 billion passengers in 2019, making it a critical mode of transportation in the region

Statistic 46

Buses are estimated to be able to reduce road fatalities by providing safe mass transit options, according to safety reports

Statistic 47

The average speed of buses in urban areas ranges from 10 to 20 miles per hour, depending on congestion

Statistic 48

Bus rapid transit (BRT) systems have increased in number by 170% globally since 2000

Statistic 49

The global market share of buses for public transit is approximately 60%, the highest among ground transportation modes

Statistic 50

The average ticket price for a city bus trip in the U.S. is around $2.50

Statistic 51

Bus driver shortages are impacting service levels in major cities worldwide, with some reports indicating a shortage of up to 15% of required drivers

Statistic 52

Autonomous bus technology is in pilot testing in over 30 cities around the world, aiming to reduce operational costs and improve safety

Statistic 53

The bus industry’s contribution to job creation in urban areas is estimated at over 2 million jobs globally

Statistic 54

Approximately 65% of urban buses in Europe are equipped with real-time tracking systems, enhancing operational efficiency

Statistic 55

The adoption rate of contactless payment methods on buses worldwide has increased from 15% in 2018 to over 70% in 2023

Statistic 56

The transit bus industry in Australia carries over 1.2 billion passengers annually, representing a significant share of public transport utilization

Statistic 57

The implementation of bus priority lanes in urban areas has increased bus speeds by up to 25%, improving punctuality

Statistic 58

The number of urban bus stops worldwide increased by 30% between 2015 and 2022, supporting increased ridership

Statistic 59

The percentage of buses equipped with Wi-Fi has grown from less than 10% in 2018 to over 60% in 2023, improving passenger experience

Statistic 60

The adoption of low-floor buses has increased accessibility for disabled passengers by over 50% since 2015

Statistic 61

The deployment of intelligent transport systems (ITS) in buses has increased operational efficiency by approximately 20-30%, according to industry reports

Statistic 62

The use of bus-like autonomous shuttles in smart city projects has increased by 70% in the last five years, with over 250 cities implementing such systems

Statistic 63

The average occupancy rate of buses in urban transit systems is about 70%, which is considered optimal for balancing efficiency and comfort

Statistic 64

In developing countries, bus modal share can account for over 50% of urban transportation trips, highlighting their importance for mobility

Statistic 65

The average number of stops per bus route in urban areas is around 20-25, affecting overall transit times

Statistic 66

The implementation of contactless ticketing systems reduced boarding times by up to 30%, improving operational efficiency

Statistic 67

The average annual accident rate for buses is significantly lower than for cars, with buses experiencing roughly 0.52 accidents per million miles traveled

Statistic 68

The bus industry’s contribution to urban employment includes over 3 million direct jobs worldwide, including drivers, maintenance, and administrative roles

Statistic 69

The average waiting time at urban bus stops has decreased by about 10% since the implementation of real-time tracking, improving user satisfaction

Statistic 70

The growth rate of the global bus industry is estimated to be around 4% annually from 2023 to 2028, driven by urbanization and environmental policies

Statistic 71

The urban bus modal share is highest in Asia, where it accounts for over 70% of urban trips, compared to around 50% in Europe and North America

Statistic 72

The use of bus rapid transit (BRT) systems reduces overall city traffic congestion by up to 30%, according to urban planning studies

Statistic 73

The development of hydrogen fuel cell buses is gaining traction, with over 1,200 units deployed worldwide as of 2022

Statistic 74

The share of bus travel in total public transport trips remains significant at over 40%, especially in densely populated urban areas

Statistic 75

The average age of buses in operation worldwide is around 12 years

Statistic 76

The average diesel bus emits about 1,200 kg of CO2 per year

Statistic 77

The average fuel efficiency of buses worldwide is approximately 4.5 miles per gallon

Statistic 78

The average lifespan of a city bus is approximately 12-15 years, depending on maintenance and usage

Statistic 79

The average operating cost per mile for buses in North America ranges from $1.20 to $2.00, depending on fuel prices and maintenance

Statistic 80

The average fuel consumption of electric buses is approximately 1.8 kWh per mile, considerably lower than diesel counterparts

Statistic 81

The average lifespan of a long-distance coach bus is around 20 years, depending on usage and maintenance practices

Statistic 82

The average annual maintenance cost per bus is estimated at around $20,000, depending on the size and usage

Statistic 83

The average cost per seat for urban bus fleets ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the bus type and features

Statistic 84

The energy consumption of electric buses decreases by about 50% when regenerative braking systems are used, compared to standard systems

Statistic 85

The average cost of purchasing a new electric bus in North America is approximately $800,000, which is about 20-30% higher than diesel buses

Statistic 86

The number of urban bus routes equipped with digital signage increased by over 150% in the last five years, enhancing passenger information

Statistic 87

The level of automation in bus operations is projected to reach 40% by 2030, driven by automation and connectivity improvements

Statistic 88

The average age of city buses in Europe is 13 years, with some cities expanding their service life through refurbishments

Statistic 89

The percentage of buses equipped with safety features like CCTV and automated alerts has increased to over 80% in the last five years, improving passenger and driver security

Statistic 90

The average seat capacity of city buses worldwide is approximately 70 passengers, varying by urban density and bus size

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Sources

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Key Highlights

The global bus market was valued at approximately $72 billion in 2020
The U.S. bus manufacturing industry generated about $12 billion in revenue in 2022
Approximately 40% of public transit trips in the U.S. are made via bus
The average age of buses in operation worldwide is around 12 years
Electric buses accounted for 10% of all new bus sales globally in 2022
The number of buses in operation in Europe was approximately 862,000 in 2021
China has the largest fleet of buses with over 600,000 units in urban service as of 2022
The global demand for electric buses is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% between 2023-2030
The average diesel bus emits about 1,200 kg of CO2 per year
In 2022, public transport buses accounted for approximately 34% of urban bus trips in the European Union
New York City Transit operates over 5,700 buses, making it one of the largest municipal bus fleets in the world
India’s bus industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2028
The average fuel efficiency of buses worldwide is approximately 4.5 miles per gallon

The global bus industry, valued at over $72 billion in 2020 and integral to urban mobility with billions of passengers annually, is rapidly evolving through electrification, automation, and sustainable innovations shaping the future of public transportation worldwide.

Environmental Trends and Investment Initiatives

The bus industry is responsible for nearly 2% of global carbon emissions from transportation
Electric buses have been shown to reduce emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional diesel buses
The introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses has reduced urban air pollution in some cities by up to 30%
The electrification of bus fleets is expected to create over 1 million new jobs worldwide by 2030
Europe is pushing for a 100% transition to zero-emission buses by 2030
The use of alternative fuels in buses, such as biodiesel and ethanol, is increasing by about 12% annually worldwide
The share of hybrid buses in global markets increased from 5% in 2017 to 18% in 2022, indicating a shift towards cleaner energy options
Bus industry innovation efforts are increasingly focused on integrating renewable energy sources, with about 25% of new deployments featuring solar or wind power elements
In 2023, the bus industry’s investment in R&D reached an estimated $1.2 billion globally, focusing on sustainability and automation
The bus industry’s carbon footprint reduction potential via electrification is estimated to be around 37% globally by 2030
In 2021, the use of bus electrification subsidies and incentives increased by 45% globally, encouraging fleet upgrades
The deployment of green bus depots with renewable energy sources has increased by 40% globally since 2019, supporting sustainable operations
The majority of new bus purchases are now increasingly focused on low-emission models, with 65% of new buses in 2022 being either electric or hybrid
The shift towards electric and hybrid buses is expected to reduce operating costs by up to 25% over 10 years, considering fuel and maintenance savings
Several countries have announced plans for complete bus fleet electrification by 2040, including the UK, Germany, and India, driven by climate commitments

Environmental Trends and Investment Initiatives Interpretation

As the bus industry accelerates toward electrification and cleaner fuels—cutting emissions by up to 60%, creating over a million jobs, and pushing for 100% zero-emission fleets by 2030—it's clear that moving from diesel to green is not just a sustainable shift but a smart one, transforming urban transit into a cost-effective, eco-friendly ride into the future.

Industry Production and Revenue

The U.S. bus manufacturing industry generated about $12 billion in revenue in 2022
India’s bus industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2028
The global bus manufacturing output was estimated at 294,000 units in 2021
The largest manufacturer of buses in the world is BYD Auto, with a market share of about 7% in 2022
The number of women in the bus industry workforce globally is approximately 20%, indicating a need for increased gender diversity
The number of bus operators worldwide has steadily increased from around 1.5 million in 2010 to over 2.3 million in 2022, reflecting industry growth
Urban bus fare revenue in Europe totaled approximately €38 billion in 2022, supporting extensive transit networks
The industry has seen a trend of increasing smart bus stops equipped with digital screens, lighting, and security cameras, with a 50% increase since 2017

Industry Production and Revenue Interpretation

From a $12 billion U.S. industry and steady global growth to the rise of smart bus stops and an urgent call for more gender diversity, the bus industry is both powering worlds forward and evolving behind the scenes—reminding us that even the most established transit systems are anything but static.

Market Size and Valuation

The global bus market was valued at approximately $72 billion in 2020
Electric buses accounted for 10% of all new bus sales globally in 2022
The global demand for electric buses is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% between 2023-2030
The U.S. federal government invested over $8 billion in public transit infrastructure in 2021, many of which go to bus systems
In 2021, Asia accounted for more than 50% of the global electric bus sales
In 2022, the global bus fleet exceeded 4.5 million units, including city buses, coaches, and minibuses
The global market for bus components and parts is expected to reach $20 billion by 2025, driven by maintenance and modernization needs
The total funding allocated for electric bus projects in North America was over $3 billion in 2022, underpinning extensive fleet electrification
The global demand for bus driver training services has increased by approximately 15% annually since 2018, due to safety and skills enhancements
The global market for bus telematics systems is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2022 to over $3 billion by 2028, driven by safety and efficiency improvements
The global industry employs over 15 million people across manufacturing, operations, and support services, highlighting its economic significance
The total number of minibuses globally is estimated at over 1.2 million, serving rural and suburban communities
The total investment in bus infrastructure in developing countries reached over $5 billion in 2022, supporting transit modernization efforts

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

With a $72 billion valuation in 2020 and a global fleet surpassing 4.5 million, the bus industry is accelerating towards electrification and modernization—driven by booming markets, hefty investments, and a workforce powering the world's roads, proving that even in transit, change is truly rolling forward.

Public Transit Utilization and Trends

Approximately 40% of public transit trips in the U.S. are made via bus
The number of buses in operation in Europe was approximately 862,000 in 2021
China has the largest fleet of buses with over 600,000 units in urban service as of 2022
In 2022, public transport buses accounted for approximately 34% of urban bus trips in the European Union
New York City Transit operates over 5,700 buses, making it one of the largest municipal bus fleets in the world
Railway-based transit systems carry more passengers annually (around 90 billion) compared to buses, but buses cover more distance daily
In metropolitan areas, bus routes contribute to reducing congestion and pollution by decreasing car usage
The adoption of smart ticketing systems in buses has increased passenger convenience by 35% over the last five years
The bus industry in Latin America transported over 9 billion passengers in 2019, making it a critical mode of transportation in the region
Buses are estimated to be able to reduce road fatalities by providing safe mass transit options, according to safety reports
The average speed of buses in urban areas ranges from 10 to 20 miles per hour, depending on congestion
Bus rapid transit (BRT) systems have increased in number by 170% globally since 2000
The global market share of buses for public transit is approximately 60%, the highest among ground transportation modes
The average ticket price for a city bus trip in the U.S. is around $2.50
Bus driver shortages are impacting service levels in major cities worldwide, with some reports indicating a shortage of up to 15% of required drivers
Autonomous bus technology is in pilot testing in over 30 cities around the world, aiming to reduce operational costs and improve safety
The bus industry’s contribution to job creation in urban areas is estimated at over 2 million jobs globally
Approximately 65% of urban buses in Europe are equipped with real-time tracking systems, enhancing operational efficiency
The adoption rate of contactless payment methods on buses worldwide has increased from 15% in 2018 to over 70% in 2023
The transit bus industry in Australia carries over 1.2 billion passengers annually, representing a significant share of public transport utilization
The implementation of bus priority lanes in urban areas has increased bus speeds by up to 25%, improving punctuality
The number of urban bus stops worldwide increased by 30% between 2015 and 2022, supporting increased ridership
The percentage of buses equipped with Wi-Fi has grown from less than 10% in 2018 to over 60% in 2023, improving passenger experience
The adoption of low-floor buses has increased accessibility for disabled passengers by over 50% since 2015
The deployment of intelligent transport systems (ITS) in buses has increased operational efficiency by approximately 20-30%, according to industry reports
The use of bus-like autonomous shuttles in smart city projects has increased by 70% in the last five years, with over 250 cities implementing such systems
The average occupancy rate of buses in urban transit systems is about 70%, which is considered optimal for balancing efficiency and comfort
In developing countries, bus modal share can account for over 50% of urban transportation trips, highlighting their importance for mobility
The average number of stops per bus route in urban areas is around 20-25, affecting overall transit times
The implementation of contactless ticketing systems reduced boarding times by up to 30%, improving operational efficiency
The average annual accident rate for buses is significantly lower than for cars, with buses experiencing roughly 0.52 accidents per million miles traveled
The bus industry’s contribution to urban employment includes over 3 million direct jobs worldwide, including drivers, maintenance, and administrative roles
The average waiting time at urban bus stops has decreased by about 10% since the implementation of real-time tracking, improving user satisfaction
The growth rate of the global bus industry is estimated to be around 4% annually from 2023 to 2028, driven by urbanization and environmental policies
The urban bus modal share is highest in Asia, where it accounts for over 70% of urban trips, compared to around 50% in Europe and North America
The use of bus rapid transit (BRT) systems reduces overall city traffic congestion by up to 30%, according to urban planning studies
The development of hydrogen fuel cell buses is gaining traction, with over 1,200 units deployed worldwide as of 2022
The share of bus travel in total public transport trips remains significant at over 40%, especially in densely populated urban areas

Public Transit Utilization and Trends Interpretation

With buses carrying over 60% of ground transit users worldwide, it’s clear that while rail might be the heavyweight champion in passenger numbers, the humble bus is the true workhorse of urban mobility—bridging efficiency, innovation, and accessibility in the fight against congestion and pollution.

Vehicle Specifications and Infrastructure

The average age of buses in operation worldwide is around 12 years
The average diesel bus emits about 1,200 kg of CO2 per year
The average fuel efficiency of buses worldwide is approximately 4.5 miles per gallon
The average lifespan of a city bus is approximately 12-15 years, depending on maintenance and usage
The average operating cost per mile for buses in North America ranges from $1.20 to $2.00, depending on fuel prices and maintenance
The average fuel consumption of electric buses is approximately 1.8 kWh per mile, considerably lower than diesel counterparts
The average lifespan of a long-distance coach bus is around 20 years, depending on usage and maintenance practices
The average annual maintenance cost per bus is estimated at around $20,000, depending on the size and usage
The average cost per seat for urban bus fleets ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the bus type and features
The energy consumption of electric buses decreases by about 50% when regenerative braking systems are used, compared to standard systems
The average cost of purchasing a new electric bus in North America is approximately $800,000, which is about 20-30% higher than diesel buses
The number of urban bus routes equipped with digital signage increased by over 150% in the last five years, enhancing passenger information
The level of automation in bus operations is projected to reach 40% by 2030, driven by automation and connectivity improvements
The average age of city buses in Europe is 13 years, with some cities expanding their service life through refurbishments
The percentage of buses equipped with safety features like CCTV and automated alerts has increased to over 80% in the last five years, improving passenger and driver security
The average seat capacity of city buses worldwide is approximately 70 passengers, varying by urban density and bus size

Vehicle Specifications and Infrastructure Interpretation

With buses averaging around 12 years in service and emitting roughly 1,200 kg of CO₂ annually, society faces a 20-30% higher upfront cost for the cleaner electric models, though their potential to halve energy consumption with regenerative braking offers a greener, if more expensive, ride toward sustainable urban mobility.