Bus

LT 471 (LTZ 1471) Arriva London New Routemaster (19522859218)

Toronto Flyer E700A trolleybus in 1987

Omnibus - Project Gutenberg eText 16943

Plan de la ville de Paris représentant les nouvelles voitures publiques - Entreprise générale des Dames Blanches

Shillibeer's first omnibus

Bus is a large motor vehicle designed to carry passengers by road. Buses have a capacity as high as 300 passengers and are a common form of public transport in many parts of the world. Buses can be used for scheduled bus transport, school transport, private hire, and tourism; also, they serve as private charter for various purposes. The design and construction of buses reflect their intended use, including floor level, seating arrangements, and accessibility features.

History

The concept of a bus dates back to the early 19th century with the invention of the horse-drawn omnibus, credited to Blaise Pascal. With the advent of the internal combustion engine, motorized buses came into use in the early 20th century. The transition from horse-drawn to motorized buses was a significant development in urban transport, leading to the expansion of public transport networks in cities around the world.

Types of Buses

Buses are categorized based on their use, size, and layout. The main types include:

• City Buses: Designed for short-distance travel and equipped with features for frequent stops and high passenger turnover.
• Intercity Buses: Also known as coaches, these are used for long-distance travel and are equipped with comfortable seating and amenities like toilets and air conditioning.
• School Buses: Specifically designed and painted for school transport. They have safety features to protect children.
• Double-Decker Buses: Have two levels of seating, providing a higher capacity. They are common in parts of Europe and Asia.
• Articulated Buses: Also known as bendy buses, these have a pivoting joint in the middle to carry more passengers.
• Electric Buses: Utilize electric power, either from batteries or overhead lines, offering a cleaner alternative to diesel buses.

Manufacturing

Several companies worldwide specialize in bus manufacturing, including Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and BYD Auto. The manufacturing process involves designing the bus for specific uses, assembling the chassis, and installing the bodywork and interior fittings.

Environmental Impact

Buses are considered more environmentally friendly than cars, as they can significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road, lowering emissions per capita. The development of electric buses and hybrid vehicles is seen as a critical step towards reducing the carbon footprint of public transport.

Future of Buses

The future of bus transport includes the development of autonomous buses and further electrification of the bus fleet. Innovations in technology and infrastructure aim to make bus transport more efficient, accessible, and sustainable.