Acoach (also known as amotorcoach[1] orcoach bus[2]) is a type ofbus built for longer distance service,[2] in contrast totransit buses that are typically used for shorter journeys within a single metropolitan region. Often used fortouring,intercity, and international bus service, coaches are also used forprivate charter for various purposes.[3]
Deriving the name fromhorse-drawn carriages andstagecoaches that carried passengers, luggage, and mail, modern motor coaches are almost alwayshigh-floor buses, with separate luggage hold mounted below the passenger compartment. In contrast to transit buses, motor coaches typically feature forward-facing seating, with no provision for standing. Other accommodations may include onboard restrooms, televisions, and overhead luggage space.
The name used for this type of bus varies between countries. In United States they are officially designated asmotorcoach[1] ("a bus designed with an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment"[1]) as well as being referred to ascoach bus.[2] In United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and many other countries they are calledcoach.[4] In Japan they are calledhighway buses,[5] while those operating airport services are calledairport limousines orlimousine buses.[6]
Horse-drawnchariots andcarriages ("coaches") were used by the wealthy and powerful where the roads were of a high enough standard from possibly 3000 BC. InHungary, during the reign of KingMatthias Corvinus in the 15th century, the wheelwrights ofKocs began to build a horse-drawn vehicle with steel-spring suspension. This "cart of Kocs" as the Hungarians called it (Hungarian:kocsi szekér) soon became popular all over Europe. The imperial post service employed the first horse-drawn mail coaches in Europe since Roman times in 1650, and as they started in the town of Kocs, the use of these mail coaches gave rise to the term "coach".[7]Stagecoaches (drawn by horses) were used for transport between cities from about 1500 in Great Britain until displaced by the arrival of the railways.[8]
One of the earliest motorized vehicles was thecharabanc, which was used for short journeys and excursions until the early years of the 20th century.[citation needed] The first "motor coaches" were purchased by operators of thosehorse-drawn vehicles in the early 20th century[9] by operators such asRoyal Blue Coach Services, who purchased their first charabanc in 1913[10] and were running 72 coaches by 1926.[11]
Coaches are designed for comfort,[12][13] as passengers are onboard for significant periods of time on long journeys, or the hirer desires a high standard of comfort on shorter trips.
They can vary considerably in quality: some higher-specification coaches feature luxury seats and refreshments, while others may only have the bare essentials such as non-reclining highback seats and an underfloor baggage compartment. Coaches typically have only a single, narrow door, but some may have two doors - it can be a tradeoff between faster passenger boarding/alighting times and having 2-4 extra seats.
Some coaches are designed for commuter services, which are typically farther than local transit routes. As such, these coaches may have amenities rarely seen on transit buses, such as onboard restrooms, but sparser than coaches meant for long-distance travel.
Seats are normally in a configuration of 2 seats either side of a central aisle - or in premium coaches there can be 2 seats on one side of the aisle and 1 seat on the other side(for example,"excellent" and"premium" class Intercity/Express buses in South Korea[14]), or even 1 seat either side of the aisle in luxury coaches. Other seating layouts can be found on coaches built for a specific purpose (e.g. some overnight buses in Japan have 3 single seats with 2 narrow aisles[15]).
Some characteristics include:
Coaches, like buses, may be fully built by integrated manufacturers, or a separatechassis consisting of only an engine, wheels and basic frame may be delivered to acoachwork factory for a body to be added. A few coaches are built withmonocoque bodies without a chassis frame. Integrated manufacturers (most of whom also supply chassis) includeAutosan,Scania,Fuso, andAlexander Dennis. Major coachwork providers (some of whom can build their own chassis) includeVan Hool,Neoplan,Marcopolo,Irizar,MCI,Prevost,Volvo,Denning Manufacturing inAustralia andDesignline inNew Zealand.
In some European countries following the 1958 type certification treaty, coach (that is vehicle of type M2 or M3) type certification is regulated by regulation number 107 from the UNECE. In the U.S., commercial drivers of motorcoaches are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Drivers of buses & coaches require aCommercial driver's license (a higher class of license than is required to drive a car). Many states/countries also require bus/coach drivers to obtain an additional certification to carry paying passengers - for exampleUnited Kingdom &European Union require aDriver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC)[17]
Seat belts for drivers and all passengers are now legally required in many countries - for example United Kingdom.[18] Refer to:Overview of Seat Belt Legislation by Country.
A representative selection of vehicles currently (or recently) in use in different parts of the world.
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A selection of vehicles in use in different parts of the world in the past.
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