History of Buses A bus is a transportation vehicle used for carrying passengers from one place to another.

The word bus comes from the Latin word omnibus meaning for all'. The origin of first public transport system can be traced back to Nantes, France. In the year 1826, a retired army officer named Stanislas Baudry had made public baths and he used an omnibus to carry people from the center of the town to his public baths. When he realized that they were more interested in getting off in between, he changed the focus and instead of carrying passengers to his public baths only, the omnibus traveled on a predetermined route from inn to inn and carried passengers and mail like a hackney carriage. The omnibus service was started in New York in 1829. An entrepreneur named Abraham Brower started this bus service. The route ran along the Broadway to Bowling Green. The service also started in other American cities, such as Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore in the next few years. The travelers came to know many strangers while traveling in an omnibus. Omnibus also went to far off cities facilitating traveling. The distance one had to travel on foot was too much even for young people and omnibus made traveling comfortable. The first motorized bus came out in 1895 in Germany. It was a modified Benz truck and the modification was done by Netphener Omnibusgesellschaft, a company from Netphen, Germany. Early buses were actually made by fitting the body of a bus on chassis of a truck. Modern day buses are manufactured using advanced technologies and have latest features like GPS location, passenger information systems and electronic controls. Buses have come a long way from wooden seats to luxurious and comfy seats. The present day buses are also used as recreational vehicles. These recreational vehicles have every thing one might need, such as bed, sofa, electricity, television, microwave, etc. People also buy used recreational buses for personal use as these are best for traveling comfortably and luxuriously. A new bus is comparatively expensive so many people prefer buying a second hand used bus for sale and modifying it or a used conversion bus instead.

Classic Buses

Classic buses are a very popular type of bus that were and are used in the Untied States and Canada. It is the GMC Classic that was a modern design of the famous GM New Look transit coach and was produced between the years 1982 to 1997, and you will find, with a little hard work, some classic gems - used coaches of this type that are of great quality and run well. It was when GMC was used to replace the New Look with the RTSII series in 1977 that it was thought that the GMC would win the appreciation of commuters in US and Canada. However the Canadian transit passengers were not pleased with the design and futuristic looks of the bus. This is when GM Canadas Transit division produced New Looks till 1982, when the Classic bus was unveiled. These buses were popular not only among the operators in Canada, but also in the United States. It was the Utah Transit Authority that bought the buses in 1984. By 1992, the bus division had changed hands twice to finally reach NovaBus. NovaBus also build Classics in the United States in 1995 and 1996 from New York and it is these versions that are still used in Buffalo, Rochester, Pittsburgh and Connecticut. The Classic buses that are used presently have different names in different localities like Santa Monicas Big Blue Bus, PACE, Port Authority of Allegheny County, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and Norwalk Transit District. Whichever the model or name of the Classic bus, their model numbers follow the same format. The first letter in the model is the type of bus it is, like T for transit, then the next indicates the model of the bus like C for Classic and then the length in feet is mentioned followed with the width in inches and an A for air-conditioned buses and N for non-air-conditioned buses. As

there were only two models of Classic buses produced, the 40 and 60 feet buses, having a width of 102 inches, their Classic model numbers were TC40-102A/N and TC60-102N respectively. It was only in 1992 that the 60 foot version of Classic bus was introduced when MCI started producing the Classic buses. Out of this, only 16 articulated buses were sold where 14 were sold to Metro Transit and 2 to Reseau de transport de la Capitale. The 60 foot version production was discontinued by NovaBus when it took over production in 1993. These Classic buses have seating that ranged between 39 to 52 seats, along with handicappedequipped lifts. These lifts were optional for the Canadian operators, but a must for the American operators. The other unique features of the Classic were its exit doors where most were wide door versions and only a few, with narrow doors. Activity Bus

An activity bus is a straightforward and very useful sort of vehicle, which can be used for a multitude of purposes. The main purpose of an activity bus is to transport people, oftentimes students, to and from activities at various locations, such a field trips. Activity buses tend to be smaller than normal buses, and are often known by the acronym MFSAB, which stands for Multi Function School Activity Bus. Since an activity bus is not a school bus per se, in that it isn't used to transport children to and from school, activity buses aren't as strictly regulated as normal school buses. This means that an activity bus doesn't need the flashing lights and stop signs that are required on school buses. Activity buses also usually lack the bright yellow paint which tends to adorn school buses. Very many activity buses are available, and many different entities and organizations make use of them. Schools are a major user, as are extracurricular organizations, such as scouting organizations and summer camps, as well as preschools, churches, and daycare centers. Activity

buses are often used by senior citizens' organizations or assisted living centers, as well, for much the same purpose as school activity buses. An activity bus is usually fairly small, what one would consider a mini bus. With some modifications, an activity bus easily becomes a hotel shuttle bus or a courtesy bus. Larger activity buses are available as well. Usually, activity buses are specifically sold as such, distinguished from school buses and other mini buses. Activity buses are available new and used and in whatever size the buyer requires. Some activity buses are equipped with seat belts, while others opt for more standard bus seating. Many activity buses are also equipped with wheelchair access. Companies that specialize in activity buses include StarTrans, which manufactures a variety of body styles and provides a great deal of options to fit custom needs. There are also activity bus dealers, including BusGroup, which deal exclusively in selling activity buses. Activity buses, both new and used, are cheaper in general than other forms of buses. Pricing for an activity bus depends on the features of the vehicle, but for the most part, an activity bus doesn't require a great deal of luxury, and thus is quite affordable. Prices for used activity buses are quite low, beginning at under $10,000, while prices for new activity buses will usually exceed $20,000. While a corporate customer will be handsomely for a high-rise motor coach, an activity bus won't break the bank, which is especially good for its intended users. Conversion Bus

A conversion bus, also known as a conversion shell or motor coach conversion, usually isn't your average bus. A conversion bus will look like a bus on the outside, in shape and size, but inside, you never know what to find.

Conversion buses have been made for a huge number of purposes. Some conversion buses are used as mobile classrooms, complete with desks, running water, and bathrooms. Others have been turned into rolling clinics. Some conversion buses have even been turned into fearsome Mobile Command Centers, bristling with communications and equipment, for law enforcement agencies. But conversion buses take more enjoyable forms as well. One of the most popular forms of bus conversions is the recreational vehicle. Recreational bus conversions often have more interior space than normal recreational vehicles, allowing room for all the comforts of home in one huge, luxurious vehicle. Bus conversions can also take the form of executive offices, creating a fully outfitted office (complete with executive washroom) that can be taken on the road. Party buses, or limousine buses, are also another popular and exciting form of bus conversion. These fun vehicles are party rooms on the go, often featuring lush couches, flat screen televisions, advanced stereo systems, and well-stocked bars. The fun thing about conversion buses is that they can adapted to suit almost any purpose imaginable. Almost anything you can imagine on wheels can be put into a conversion bus, if you have the inclination and the financing to do so. There are many companies currently producing conversion buses. Prevost Car, a division of the Volvo company, is a longtime maker of quality motor coaches. Prevost motor coaches are easily recognizable, with their tall windows and extra headroom, and are often sold as recreational vehicles. Motor Coach Industries, or MCI, is an American-based manufacturer of speciality buses, including conversion buses. Like Prevost, MCI buses are popular and easy to recognize, and can be adapted for nearly any need. Krystal, a noted manufacturer of luxury vehicles, including limousines, offers a lower-cost series of motor coaches, keeping costs down by building custom motor coaches on commercially available chassises, such as the Ford E-series. Krystal motor coaches tend to be either passenger motor coaches or limousine buses, and are usually smaller in overall size and capacity than Prevost or MCI motor coaches. Eagle buses, a popular form of motor coach from the 1960s and 1970s, have been making a comeback as well, becoming choice vehicles for conversion buses, largely thanks to their signature stainless steel shine. The average cost for a bus conversion is rather steep, and can be anywhere from $120,000 for a small conversion bus to over $500,000 for a complete conversion on a Prevost or MCI bus.

Limo Bus

A limo bus is a bus that is set up for a party, which can also be called a party bus. Some people refer to large stretch limousines, such as Hummer limos, as limo buses, but usually a limo bus is a party bus.

Limo buses are great for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings, and even proms. When the occasion calls, you just have to let loose with your friends and enjoy a great time. The best way to have fun in luxury is on a limo bus. Limo buses are large buses, and can have passenger capacities ranging from ten to fifty. Limo buses are organized differently than traditional buses, though they are built the same way. A limo bus will have shaded windows, so that people walking down the street can't see into the limo bus, but the people in the limo bus can see out into the street. This allows for privacy inside the limo bus. A limo bus has bench like seating along the wall of the bus, with one center aisle, and the benches face each other. This set up is just like the set up in a limousine. There is usually seating along the back of the limo bus that faces forward, so everyone can chat. This seating is much different than on a traditional bus, where there are rows of two seats that face forward flanking one center aisle. Limo buses have upgraded interiors with more luxurious fabric covering the seats, floor, and even walls Limo buses will often come equipped with stereo systems, so you can enjoy your favorite type of music. Limo buses will generally have special lighting systems to help you set the mood at your party or gathering. Limo buses also have restrooms on board, so your party or gathering doesn't have to stop, wait, and suffer because nature calls for a guest. The fun is continuous on limo buses. Limo buses can also be used to give out of town guests a tour of your city, or for an intimate night on the town for two like an anniversary. Limo buses can take the route you request, like a limousine, so you can drive past a river, lake, over a bridge, or visit the location of an important date with your husband or wife. It's up to you. Limo buses are commonly used for short periods of time, such as hours, but can also be used for tours and longer trips, for extended lengths of time, like days. When someone needs a limo bus, they generally rent it. Limo buses can be rented in nearly every city. The rental rates vary greatly depending on where you are located, where you want the bus to take you, how many people will be on board and the size of your bus, and even what supplies you would like pre-stocked on board. You can often pay a per hour rate when renting a party bus, but if you are going to be on the party bus for a longer period of time, you can probably negotiate a lower, per day fee.

Party Bus

Who doesn't love a good party? Every now and again you simply have to let loose with your friends and enjoy the time you are given. Well, there just is not a better way to have a good time than on a party bus. Party buses come in large and small sizes, and can have passenger capacities ranging from ten to fifty. Party buses are set up differently than traditional buses, though they are built the same way. Generally a party bus will have shaded windows, to allow for privacy inside of the bus. Often, there is bench seating that lines the wall of the party bus, instead of the traditional bus seating. A party bus usually has an upgraded interior with more luxurious fabric covering the seats, floor, and even walls Party buses are usually equipped with stereo systems, so you can enjoy your favorite type of music. Many party buses also come with dancing poles, which are popular for bachelorette parties if a pole dancing instructor will be brought in to teach the bride some moves. A dance pole is also convenient if you plan to hire a dancing entertainer. More often than not party buses will have special lighting systems to help you set the mood at your party, including disco balls, strobe lights, and colored lighting. Sometimes a party bus will even have a smoke or bubble machine. There are also often partitions within the party bus, so you can have different sections of your party. Maybe some party guests want to dance, and others want to sit and chat while they have a drink. With a partition, you can make that happen. Party buses also have restrooms on board, so your party doesn't have to stop, wait, and suffer because nature calls for a party guest. The fun is continuous on a party bus. Party buses are frequently used for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings, and even proms. Party buses can be found in almost every city, but have grown in popularity in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York. Party buses are commonly used for short periods of time, such as hours, but can also be used for tours and longer trips, and for extended lengths of time, like days. When someone needs a party bus, they generally rent it. Party buses can be rented in nearly every city. The rental rates vary greatly depending on where you are located, where you want the bus to take you, how many people will be on board and the size of your bus, and even what supplies you would like pre-stocked on board. You can often pay a per hour rate when renting a party bus, but if you are going to be on the party bus for a longer period of time, you can probably negotiate a lower, per day fee.

Tour Buses

A tour bus is a common sight for any tourist haven. How can you miss them? Huge and colorful, these behemoths plow streets from Los Angeles to New York, London to Tokyo, carrying thousands of sightseers every day. There are a few things that make a tour bus special. First of all, there is comfort. Riders of a tour bus will expect more than your average city bus. They'll expect comfortable, roomy seats, space for luggage, and sometimes they'll even need space for facilities and food. Second of all, there is visibility. Everyone needs a good view on a tour bus! Windows are very important, as whatever a tour bus passenger is trying to see will be defined by the windows. Does finding a good tour bus sound like a daunting task? It can be. But rest assured, there are tour buses for sale to suit any and every need of its riders and operators. Several modern bus companies specialize in tour buses. Prevost Car, part of the Volvo company, is a longtime maker of quality buses. Prevost buses are easily recognizable, with their tall windows and high-capacity buses outfitted for tourist fun. Motor Coach Industries, or MCI, is an American-based manufacturer of specialty buses, including tour buses. Like Prevost, MCI buses are popular and easy to recognize. They offer high capacity, luggage storage, and even bathroom facilities, if needed. MCI is noted for increasing the size of tour buses, allowing more passengers to be carried, thus increasing efficiency for a tour business. Krystal, a manufacturer of luxury vehicles, including limousines, offers a lower-cost series of smaller tour buses, keeping costs down by building custom coaches on commercially available chassises, such as the Ford E-series. A Krystal tour bus is a slick, lower-cost alternative to a big Prevost or MCI bus, and tour patrons often enjoy the benefits of having a smaller group.

A unique but often difficult to acquire variety of bus that has proven extremely enjoyable by many passengers is the double decker bus. A double decker tour bus allows for extraordinary views and twice the number of passengers as an ordinary bus, a boon for both the tour company and the passengers. Van Hool, a Belgian manufacturer of buses, and relatively new to the United States market, introduced a double decker bus known as the Astromega. Many double decker buses, however, are legacy models, or imports from Hong Kong or Great Britain, and therefore very difficult to find. Finding tour buses for sale is a matter of relative ease. Many sources, online and offline, offer listings for used tour buses of all years, types, sizes, and models. Manufacturers like Prevost, MCI, Krystal, and Van Hool offer nationwide dealerships with standing inventories, as well as custom and pre-owned options. Finding tour buses for sale isn't the hard part, as a tour bus can range in price anywhere from $70,000 to over $500,000. But rest assured, if you're looking for a tour bus, you'll find one.