Autobuz

An autobuz is a road vehicle designed for public passenger transport, typically operating on fixed routes with scheduled stops. In Romanian usage, autobuz is the standard term for a motorbus, while autocar generally refers to long-distance coaches.

Most autobuze are built for urban or suburban service and feature multiple doors, low-floor entry for accessibility, and various seating arrangements. They vary in length and capacity from about 8 to 18 meters, with city buses commonly seating around 30–50 passengers and providing standing space for additional riders. Articulated versions extend capacity for high-demand corridors.

Powertrains vary widely. Diesel engines remain common, but natural gas, hybrid, and battery-electric configurations are increasingly adopted. Some electric buses use trolley-like overhead charging or depot charging, and hydrogen fuel cell models exist as well. Modern autobuze often include safety and efficiency features such as anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, regenerative braking, onboard cameras, and real-time passenger information systems.

History and development: the concept originated from horse-drawn omnibuses in the 19th century, with motorized buses emerging in the early 20th century. This transition enabled more flexible urban transport and greater service frequency, leading to standardized chassis and body designs that improved durability and maintenance.

Types and variants: city buses serve urban routes, while intercity or coach buses are used for longer trips with enhanced comfort. Other specialized forms include articulated buses for high ridership and, in some regions, double-decker models. Trolleybuses—electric buses powered by overhead wires—are related but distinct from conventional autobuze.