Passenger bus and urban transit, 2015
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Released: 2017-08-18
Total operating revenue for the Canadian passenger bus and urban transit industry held steady from 2014 to 2015 at $12.1 billion, while total operating expenses increased slightly to almost $12.9 billion.
In 2015, human resources expenses accounted for 57.9% of total operating expenses, with drivers representing over two-thirds (69.1%) of full-time equivalent employees.
These employees operated almost 70,000 vehicles, including about 60,000 motor coaches, school buses and urban transit buses.
The industry consumed 945.5 million litres of diesel fuel and 813.6 million kilowatts of electricity to operate these vehicles. Vehicle energy expenses accounted for 8.5% of total operating expenses in 2015.
Chart 1
Canadian passenger bus and urban transit industries
Chart 2
Canadian passenger bus and urban transit industries, equipment operated
Urban transit the largest industry component
Of the 936 total companies in the Canadian passenger bus and urban transit industries, the 92 urban transit operators generated 70.8% ($8.6 billion) of total operating revenue in 2015.
Just under half (49.5%) of urban transit operating revenue was earned through passenger fares in 2015. However, the urban transit industry received 97 cents in operating subsidies for every dollar earned.
Note to readers
The Annual Passenger Bus and Urban Transit Survey collects financial and operating information from companies operating in Canada.
Since 2014, the survey has covered the following North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 2012 industries: urban transit systems (NAICS 485110); interurban and rural bus transportation (485210); school and employee bus transportation (485410); the charter bus industry (485510); other transit and ground passenger transportation (485990); and scenic and sightseeing transportation (487110).
Classification of establishments into these various industries is based on revenue earned by type of service. For example, an establishment that earns most of its operating revenue from scheduled intercity service is classified to the interurban and rural bus transportation industry. However, this same establishment may also earn some revenue from charter or sightseeing services or from other sources, such as package delivery service.
As part of Statistics Canada's Integrated Business Statistics Program, changes were made to the survey program for the 2014 reference year. While most content remained the same, some collection and processing methods changed, which could affect the comparability of estimates with those for years prior to 2014. For example, estimates now cover the whole population rather than the top 95% of companies. Also, urban transit, commuter services and para-transit services were combined into one category.
For more information on these changes, please consult the following link: Annual Passenger Bus and Urban Transit Survey.
Contact information
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