Buses are large-capacity vehicles, and they are made to transport a number of passengers. They are very common yet useful vehicles. Though they come in many forms, they are almost the same with regard to their structural and mechanical features. So how do you identify what kind of bus you are riding at? This article lists kinds of buses.
- Single-decker bus. This is the most common bus. In most places, it is known as transit bus. It has a two-row seating capacity that could range up to 50-plus. Some have open windows preferable to most commuters; others have air conditioning system (which comprises high powered automotive condensers , compressors, evaporator, etc.)
- Midibus. It is classified as a single-deck bus but smaller in capacity. As its name suggest, is it a medium-size bus, neither too small nor very large. More importantly, it is designed for economical purposes in contrast to full-size bus which uses more gas.
- Minibus. Smaller than the midibus, minibus has fewer seating capacity (8-30 seats); but it is larger than the minivan.
- Double-decker bus. This is like a single-decker with upper level or deck. It is popular in some cities in Europe and America. Also, it is usually used by tourists for sight-seeing. Bus like this may be open-window or air conditioned.
- Articulated bus. It has a design similar to that of single-decker bus, only that articulated bus is longer (approximately 18 meters). It has two sections connected by a joint that can be bent. It is also known by other names such as tandem bus or accordion us. But what makes it unique is that, though longer and has larger seating capacity than the single-decker it can turn easily in street corners.
- Bi-articulated bus. Another variant of articulated bus is the bi-articulated bus. It has another segment connected to the other one. (If your fancy permits, you can invent a “tri-articulated bus”.)
- Coach. A coach bus has a separate portion for baggage. It is single-decker, but this kind of passenger vehicle is preferable in long-distance travel: from city to another city or to suburban places.
- Trolley bus. Instead of gasoline, trolley bus has electrical connections overhead in order to run. And for that, it is limited to certain routes only. It is different from streetcar because streetcar uses a rail as track and source or electricity.
- School bus. A school bus is kind of single-decker bus used in transporting students from their houses to school, and vice versa. It is distinctive of its yellow and black colors.
- Private bus. Some buses are used for special trips. It can be used by a family heading for a summer camp, by a sports team bound for a competition, or by any group of private individuals.
- Special bus. Other types of buses maybe used by police officials for transporting prisoners, by doctors for a medical mission, by airport officers, etc. Some are used as a classroom or a computer shop, and others are maybe used for business promotions and other operations.
So the next time you see a bus, make sure you can identify it. It may be trivial, but there also is pleasure in looking at things and be able to name them.