Buses

A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry multiple passengers on scheduled services over fixed routes. Buses are a primary form of urban and regional public transportation, offering high passenger capacity and flexibility while complementing rail and other modes. They differ from coaches, which are intended for longer trips with fewer stops.

Common configurations include standard single-decker buses, double-decker buses, articulated buses with a flexible midsection, and minibuses with smaller capacity. Paratransit and shuttle services provide flexible routing and demand-responsive service. Some systems use trolleybuses that draw power from overhead wires. Many buses are designed with low floors and ramps to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

Propulsion and power have diversified in recent decades. Most buses historically used internal combustion engines running on diesel or gasoline, but natural gas, hybrid diesel-electric layouts, and fully electric propulsion are increasingly common. Hydrogen fuel cells are used in a limited number of models. Electric and low-emission buses help reduce local air pollution and noise, while design focuses on safety and passenger comfort, with features such as multiple entry doors and accessible seating.

Operations and planning emphasize reliable service, frequency, and coverage. Urban networks may include bus rapid transit with dedicated lanes and priority signaling. Fleet management covers route design, scheduling, maintenance, and fare collection, with operators ranging from municipal agencies to private contractors under public oversight.

Historically, buses evolved from horse-drawn omnibuses in the 19th century to motorized fleets in the 20th. Today, electrification, digital scheduling, and advanced safety systems continue to shape bus transportation.