The global market for passenger transport manufacturers is very broad. Companies produce and sell directly or through suppliers a wide range of vehicles for passenger transportation for various purposes and over any distance. Several parameters are used to classify the widest range of vehicles, the main one being the passenger compartment capacity. According to the number of seats there are five varieties. The article is devoted to the most common category of transport – small class buses.
Saloon capacity
Buses of each category of seating capacity have their own distinctive parameters, are used for trips of different purposes:
Extra Small. Not more than 10 passengers can comfortably stay in the salon, body length does not exceed 6 metres. They are used on urban and suburban routes. They are distinguished by maneuverability and mobility, which are especially important on urban roads.
Small. Saloon accommodates no more than 20 people, the total number of passengers – no more than 40, the body length is 6-8 meters. Used for urban and short-range commuter routes, excellent for tourist trips over short distances. They are distinguished by maneuverability, low cost and excellent performance indicators. Because of these properties, small buses are considered an excellent option for starting a trucking company that has just entered the market.
Medium. Length – up to 10 metres, the number of seated passengers – not more than 30, the total capacity – up to 60 people. Characterized by versatility, suitable for urban, suburban, intercity and tourist trips.
Large. Total capacity is 90 people, the number of seats is not more than 40, body length – up to 12 meters. Operated primarily in urban areas, are effective on intercity and tourist routes over long distances. The trucks provide the most comfortable conditions for the passengers and make long trips possible.
Extra large. Designed to accommodate more than 40 seated and 90 standing passengers. Technics with the body length up to 18 meters is simply irreplaceable on urban routes, where a considerable passenger flow and a long distance of trips are characteristic.
Other technical characteristics
There are other parameters that allow classifying buses:
- wagon (cabover) and bonneted layout;
- one-, one-and-a-half- and double-decker buses
- Rear-, center- and front-engined;
- single and articulated.