The Complete History of Buses in Public Transportation

Buses have become an integral part of public transportation systems around the world. However, their development and adoption was an extensive process spanning centuries. Buses have undergone incredible innovation to become the convenient, accessible and environmentally-friendly option we know today. Let’s go through that journey in this guide below!

Horse-Drawn Carriages: The Beginning of Public Transit

Before motor vehicles were invented, animal power propelled the first forms of public transportation. As early as 1662, horse-drawn carriages operated as vehicles for hire in Paris, France and London, England. These carriages, called “coaches”, provided the first shared transportation services. Groups of passengers paid fares to travel together, allowing more affordable transportation than privately owning a coach and horses.

In 1827, Abraham Brower began operating a horse-drawn carriage service in New York City between the city center and Broadway. His enterprise marked one of the first formal transit systems in a major US city. Following Brower’s success, hundreds more omnibus lines operated by private companies opened during the early and mid 1800s. The design was refined from a simple carriage to specialized “omnibuses” that could carry up to 24 seated passengers.

Early Motor Buses

As motor vehicles were invented and refined during the late 1800s, primitive motorized buses began operation. In 1895, a motor-powered bus capable of carrying 22 passengers debuted in Britain. This vehicle was powered by a two-cylinder engine mounted under the floor.

Other countries in Europe and North America also began experimenting with motor buses. However, most early models were essentially motorized horse-drawn carriages and omnibuses. They performed poorly over the rough roads of the time due to insufficient power, unreliable engines and lack of suspension systems.

Key Developments

Several key innovations occurred between 1900 and 1930 that allowed buses to evolve into the viable transit option we know today.

Gasoline Internal Combustion Engine

Differing from early engine designs that ran on steam or electricity, the internal combustion gasoline engine provided a lightweight, relatively compact and powerful propulsion system. This engine type would become standard for decades to come.

Around 1910, auto manufacturers began producing bus and truck variants of their motorcars specifically designed for carrying passengers and freight. Mack Trucks and Yellow Coach Manufacturing were two of the first major producers. Their buses featured powerful 4 and 6-cylinder gasoline engines with capacities between 25 and 33 passengers.

Pneumatic Tires

Early motor buses used the same solid, stiff rubber tires as wagons. These provided an extremely bumpy and uncomfortable ride over rough roads. With the invention of pneumatic tires that could cushion shocks, buses became more passenger-friendly. Pneumatic tires were a pivotal development allowing buses to travel at higher speeds over rough terrain. They quickly became standard.

Electric Self-Starting Systems

Initially, bus engines had to be laboriously hand-cranked to start, much like early automobiles. Drivers would sometimes have to crank continuously for 5 to 10 minutes to get the engine running. The introduction of on-board electric starter motors that engaged with the flywheel revolutionized starting. Engines could be started with the simple turn of a key, allowing faster departures.

Chassis and Suspension Design

Early motor buses utilized the same rigid chassis and suspension as wagons meant for cargo. This resulted in an extremely bumpy ride. By 1914, chassis and suspension systems were redesigned specifically to suit public transit buses. The frames were strengthened and suspension was made more flexible by incorporating leaf springs and shock absorbers.

Higher-Capacity Designs

Early motor buses were adapted from trucks and had low passenger capacity. For example, Mack Trucks’ AC model only sat 25 people. Through the 1920s, chassis and body manufacturers shifted focus to designing larger buses. Higher-capacity models that could transport up to 57 passengers were introduced, featuring wide bodies that maximized interior space.

Transit Networks

Following these innovations, hundreds of independent bus lines cropped up in the 1920s, launching motor coaches into mainstream transit use. Reduced fares and high frequency routes were implemented, undercutting the passenger railroad industry. Many small firms were consolidated into larger regional bus networks. Larger companies like Greyhound grew to operate national route networks. Local municipal governments also began operating publicly-owned bus networks.

Modern Transit Bus

The 1930s saw buses become the standard mode of public transportation around the developed world. Further enhancements made buses even more practical and accessible.

Diesel Engines

The diesel engine was invented in the late 19th century, but was not widely used in buses until the 1930s. Diesel motors provided unmatched low-end torque output, reliability, efficiency and longevity compared to gasoline engines. Coupled with hydraulic automatic transmissions introduced in the 1930s, diesel power allowed smooth and effortless operation. The diesel-powered transit bus remains standard today.

Transit Bus Manufacturing

Companies that previously made heavy-duty trucks and school buses jumped into transit bus manufacturing as demand grew. Manufacturers like GMC and Flxible became major producers, opening large factories and selling thousands of buses annually by the 1950s. Vehicle production became concentrated in a few hotspots. Urban centers like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle received the majority of new buses. Used buses were eventually sold nationwide to smaller municipalities.

Further Innovations

In the post-WWII era, transit buses continued evolving with a focus on accessibility, amenities and environmental sustainability.

Accessibility Regulations

Legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act enacted accessibility requirements for public transit vehicles. Standards were set for wheelchair ramps, lifts, restraints and low-floor designs without stairs. Amenities benefiting elderly and disabled passengers were also mandated.

Propulsion Innovations

Buses originally only had diesel or gasoline drivetrains. Alternative energy buses were developed to reduce pollution and environmental impact. Propulsion innovations included electric trolleybuses, compressed natural gas, propane, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid engines. Electric motors also enabled low-floor designs by eliminating the need for transmission and driveshafts. This made kneeling or ramp-equipped buses feasible.

Passenger Capacity

Transit networks needed higher capacity to serve booming postwar ridership. “Articulated” buses with an articulation joint were developed, allowing extra-long vehicles. 60-foot articulated buses can seat up to 90 passengers. Double decker buses also became more common. These can potentially seat between 80 and 90 passengers while remaining maneuverable on city streets.

Passenger Amenities

Enhanced features were incorporated to improve customer experience and attract ridership. These included air conditioning, padded seats, low floors for easy boarding, stop request buttons and automated next-stop announcements.

Modern Bus Usage

Municipal transit networks and intercity coach companies continue relying on fleets of thousands of buses as their workhorse vehicles. Notably, buses are the primary public transit mode in several major cities.

Municipal Networks

Large public transit networks like LA Metro, Chicago Transit Authority and NYC MTA operate fleets of over 2,000 buses each. These networks provide over 1 billion annual rides. Buses account for 50-60% of boardings on many networks.

Intercity Coaches

Nationwide intercity bus companies like Greyhound and Coach USA provide low-cost travel between virtually any major city. These networks also own fleets numbering in the thousands and provide essential transportation for over 60 million yearly passengers.

Airport Shuttles

As airline travel has ballooned since the 1960s, airport shuttle buses have become a vital transportation link. Major airports operate hundreds of shuttle bus routes transporting air travelers to terminals, rental car facilities and overflow parking lots.

Tourist Sightseeing

Double decker open-top sightseeing buses have expanded in tourist-oriented cities since the 2000s. These allow hop-on hop-off travel between major attractions and provide tour narration. Companies like Big Bus operate hundreds of buses in dozens of global destinations.

Bus Technology Continues Improving

Ongoing innovation ensures buses remain an essential mode of transportation. Manufacturers are targeting reduced environmental impact, enhanced accessibility and advanced vehicle technology.

Electric Buses

Fully battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses produce zero tailpipe emissions. Advancing battery technology is making electric buses more viable and affordable. Major cities worldwide have pledged conversions to all-electric bus fleets within 10-15 years.

Self-Driving Technology

Partially and fully autonomous bus technology is rapidly developing to improve safety and allow a greater variety of potential routes and services. Bus manufacturers and tech companies are actively testing self-driving systems. Initial autonomous transit applications may include airport shuttles and campus circulators.

Mobility-as-a-Service

Public transit providers are working to improve multi-modal integration through unified payment systems and mobile apps encompassing buses, trains, bikeshare and rideshare. This enables seamless door-to-door mobility using diverse transportation modes.

Modern Charter Services

The industry has matured since its freewheeling early days. Charter motorcoaches are now operated by companies with professional drivers. They offer unparalleled comfort, consistency and reliability compared to early buses cobbled together in owners’ garages. Today’s charter buses blend public transit technology like wheelchair lifts and electric drivetrains with lavish, customized amenities tailored specifically to charter groups. TVs, recliners, wet bars and restrooms make coaches feel like traveling lounges. Multi-axle bending models with up to 57 seats hug the road smoothly at highway speeds. Cutting-edge buses push the limits of luxury. Party buses can feature neon pulsing lights, dance poles and top-shelf beverages for ultimate club experiences on wheels.

Whether you’re chartering a bus for a school field trip, corporate event, family reunion or night out, the expansive charter bus options at Busrental.net offers endless options to meet your exact transportation needs and budget. You’ve come a long way from jostling atop hard benches in Ford Model T buses – and have the opportunity to travel in comfort your great-grandparents couldn't have imagined.