15 Fun Facts About Buses

Introduction:

Buses are a common mode of transportation that we encounter in our daily lives. While they may seem like just another vehicle on the road, buses actually have a lot of interesting facts and history behind them. In this article, we will explore 15 fun facts about buses that you may not know.

Fact 1: The First Bus

The first bus was invented in France in 1662 by Blaise Pascal. It was a horse-drawn vehicle that could carry up to 8 passengers.

Fact 2: Double-Decker Buses

Double-decker buses were first introduced in Paris in 1828. They quickly became popular due to their ability to carry more passengers without taking up additional road space.

Fact 3: The World’s Longest Bus

The world’s longest bus is the Bi-Articulated Volvo 9700 DD, which measures over 30 meters in length. It is commonly used in cities with high passenger volumes.

Fact 4: London’s Routemaster

The iconic red double-decker buses in London, known as Routemasters, were first introduced in 1956. They quickly became a symbol of the city and are still in use today on some heritage routes.

Fact 5: Bus Rapid Transit

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems are gaining popularity in cities around the world. They offer a cost-effective and efficient way to provide public transportation that is similar to a light rail system.

Fact 6: The Oldest Bus Company

The oldest bus company in the world is the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) in Germany, founded in 1929. It continues to operate buses in the city to this day.

Fact 7: Electric Buses

Electric buses are becoming more common as cities strive to reduce emissions and improve air quality. They are powered by batteries or overhead wires and produce zero emissions.

Fact 8: The Fastest Bus

The world’s fastest bus is the “Jet Bus,” which can reach speeds of up to 367 miles per hour. It was built in Japan and set the record in 2014.

Fact 9: School Buses

School buses are yellow in color because of a study conducted in the 1930s that found it to be the most visible color from a distance. This helps to keep children safe as they wait for and board the bus.

Fact 10: The Largest Bus Station

The largest bus station in the world is the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. It serves over 65 million passengers annually and has 223 bus gates.

Fact 11: The Busiest Bus Route

The busiest bus route in the world is the Mexico City Metrobús Line 1, which carries over 1.13 million passengers per week. It is a key transportation link in the city’s extensive public transit system.

Fact 12: The Most Expensive Bus

The most expensive bus ever sold was a 1963 Volkswagen Deluxe Microbus, which went for $217,800 at an auction in 2017. It was in mint condition and had only 24 miles on the odometer.

Fact 13: Bus Etiquette

There is a set of unwritten rules for bus etiquette that passengers are expected to follow, such as giving up seats to those in need, not eating or drinking onboard, and not playing loud music.

Fact 14: The Design of Buses

Buses are designed with safety and efficiency in mind. They often feature high seating capacities, large windows for visibility, and easy access for boarding and exiting.

Fact 15: National Bus Day

National Bus Day is celebrated on March 18th each year to honor the role that buses play in our transportation system. It is a day to promote the use of public transportation and raise awareness about the benefits of taking the bus.

Conclusion:

Next time you see a bus on the road, remember these fun facts and appreciate the history and innovation behind this common mode of transportation. Whether it’s a school bus, a double-decker bus, or a modern electric bus, buses have a rich and fascinating legacy that continues to evolve with the times. They connect communities, reduce traffic congestion, and provide a convenient way to get around town. So hop on board and enjoy the ride!