From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
A minibus is a motor vehicle that is designed to carry fewer people than a full-size bus. An example of a minibus is the VW Bus or Kombi although there are many manufacturers producing models specifically for such use.
In the UK a minibus is defined by the limitation on the number of seats and driving one usually requires special training and certification under the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme.
Minibuses are used as share taxis for public transport in many parts of the world.
In the mid-1980s a number of bus operators in the UK replaced some of their full size buses with minibuses based on such models as the Ford Transit, Freight Rover Sherpa and later the larger Mercedes-Benz Vario or its predecessors, though disability access regulations now mean these are now largely replaced with conventional buses or narrower versions of midibuses like the Optare Solo Slimline and Caetano Slimbus (Dennis Dart SLF chassis).
In South Africa the Minibus Industry was pioneered by black entrepreneurs who provided a shared taxi service that was convenient for residents of outlying townships during the days of apartheid.
[edit] See also
A minuscule replica of a Public Light Bus in Hong Kong.
- Public light buses - minibuses in Hong Kong
[edit] External links
| Buses |
Articulated bus – Double-decker bus – Guided bus – Gyrobus – Low-floor bus – Midibus – Minibus
Motorcoach – Party bus – School bus - Transit bus – Trolleybus |
